Determinants and mechanisms in ego identity development: A review and synthesis

The literature concerning the determinants and mechanisms of ego identity development is scattered and diverse. This article offers a review of this literature from different fields in the social sciences. Following a review, an attempt is made to integrate the ideas offered in the literature into an encompassing model of the process of identity development. The model describes identity development as an iterative process of person-context transactions. Conflicts arising in the course of these transactions are considered to trigger off development. The developmental trajectory is determined by the way in which these conflicts are solved. Optimal development requires a good balance between assimilation and accommodation of a person's commitments. Important determinants in this process are factors that enhance openness to change, environmental support, and the developmental history. (C) 2001 Academic Press.