"This is the one book that I recommend as authoritative on life-span identity development. Written in a lively style with examples both numerous and apt, it helps practitioners and social planners to become current with research findings, and it provides researchers with both the necessary background and intriguing new ideas to advance their work. University instructors will find it invaluable as a text for a seminar in identity development as well as a highly useful supplement for courses in life-span development (adolescence through late adulthood) and personality theory. Kroger has written that rare book that is highly informative, useful, and a pleasure to read." -- James E. Marcia, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia
This volume highlights identity development from early adolescence through late adulthood and provides a valuable resource for university students as well as human services professionals. This Second Edition of Identity Development: Adolescence Through Adulthood presents an overview of the five general theoretical orientations to the question of what constitutes identity, as well as the strengths and limitations of each approach. The volume then describes key biological, psychological, and contextual issues during each phase of adolescence and adulthood. Following these major adolescence and adulthood sections, selected issues that may pose identity challenges for some are presented.
New to the Second Edition:
- A thorough updating of key theories, researches, and demographic information on the course and contents of identity development from adolescence through adulthood
- An international focus in the selection of research used to examine key issues
- A discussion of measurement techniques used within various theoretical orientations to investigate issues of identity
- A contemporary critical analysis of current identity research within an Eriksonian framework
Industry Reviews
"This Second Edition of Jane Kroger's Identity Development: Adolescence through Adulthood is a jewel in the publications pertaining to identity. In one book five theoretical/empirical frameworks of identity are skillfully intertwined with Erikson's seminal work pertaining to the 'meaningful, purposeful, directed' self. The search for one's identity with its continuities and change over the lifespan are documented with intriguing issues of transition and narrative that affords any reader the recognition of self. For those seeking empirical questions to investigate this book stands on the cutting edge providing essential directions that will greatly expand our understanding of identity development and its refinement. This volume is an essential addition to the library of any scholar or student interested in the field of identity." -- Sally L. Archer "This book is the most thorough examination of identity formation across youth and adulthood that has ever been written.Like the great architect of identity, the late Erik H. Erikson, Jane Kroger has written a book on human development and identity that stands as a testimony to the power of the self and identity formation in understanding human beings, their anticipations, goals and aspirations, and the nature of meaningfulness to life. Through a summary of research, narratives and discourses on identity formation, Kroger has painted a fascinating and informative portrait of the landscape of identity formation across the life-span." -- Gerald Adams "This is the one book that I recommend as authoritative on life-span identity development. Written in a lively style with examples both numerous and apt, it helps practitioners and social planners to become current with research findings, and it provides researchers with both the necessary background and intriguing new ideas to advance their work. University instructors will find it invaluable as a text for a seminar in identity development as well as a highly useful supplement for courses in life-span development (adolescence through late adulthood) and personality theory. Kroger has written that rare book that is highly informative, useful, and a pleasure to read." -- James E. Marcia "Jane Kroger's Identity Development: Adolescence through Adulthood , Second Edition, provides a concise and engaging summary of the rapidly-expanding theory and research on identity development. The volume is solidly grounded in Erikson's work, yet expands to include psychological, sociological, historical, and cultural perspectives. The book is written in a very accessible way - useful to those seeking an introduction to the field as well as to established researchers who want to look beyond the boundaries of their own work. The text is richly illustrated by quotes from a wide range of adolescents and adults going about their daily lives. Especially valuable are Kroger's treatment of a number of special identity challenges faced by sub-groups and her focus throughout the book on the many ways in relationships are thoroughly interwoven with the process of identity development." -- Harold D. Grotevant, Ph.D.
