Influence of Self-Concept and Parenting on Adolescents Identity Development

Identity refers to the constellation of one's goals, values and beliefs to feelings of solidarity with groups to which one belongs, or to roles that one plays within the larger social structure. A firmly established identity provides a sense of uniqueness to an individual. Parents act as a primary socialization agent in a family who may enhance or deteriorate identity development of adolescents through their way of nurturing. Self-concept also plays a major role in identity formation of adolescents where, an individual with a clear sense of self and positive outlook possess unique identity. Various theories have also been proposed regarding self-concept, parenting and identity development, viz.,Higgins's self-discrepancy theory, Self-determination theory, Super's self-concept theory, Nanoanalytical theory, Attachment theory etc. Intervention programmes also proves to be effective in enhancing adolescents selfconcepts and identity development.