Revisiting Erikson’s Neglected Concepts of Ego-Identity and Self-Identity: Hidden Persuaders in the Twilight Zones of Awareness

  • Stephen C. Peck David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA

Abstract

Philosophical origins of the identity concept – including James’ concepts of I, ME, and personal identity – are used to frame a detailed examination of Erikson’s concepts of ego-identity and self-identity. Ego-identity was defined in terms of the continuity and quality of experiences related to social reality, and self-identity was defined in terms of the continuity and quality of experiences related to past and present self-images. The minimal correspondence between Erikson’s original work and contemporary identity theory was noted and used to motivate an analysis of Erikson’s identity theory using contemporary dual-process and multilevel systems theories. Although ego-identity and self-identity can be described as dual systems, their relations to ego and I (as well as constructs developed in other identity theories) may be more effectively described by reference to multiple interacting subsystems.

Author Biography

Stephen C. Peck, David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA

David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA

Published
2018-01-15
How to Cite
PECK, Stephen C.. Revisiting Erikson’s Neglected Concepts of Ego-Identity and Self-Identity: Hidden Persuaders in the Twilight Zones of Awareness. Archives of Psychology, [S.l.], v. 2, n. 1, jan. 2018. ISSN 2573-7902. Available at: <https://www.archivesofpsychology.org/index.php/aop/article/view/39>. Date accessed: 29 mar. 2024.

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