Ego Identity Essay

Introduction
The paper explores cross cultural ego-identity formation as it is described through Erikson’s psychosocial developmental model and Marcia’s Four Status paradigm. It also seeks to provide an overview of recent literature on the status of ego identity formation as it is represented in the changes in status of individual groups around the globe. Identity formation is viewed as a process of transactions that occur between the individual and the context in which they conduct their interpersonal transactions. The trajectory of development is determined through the way in which conflicts are resolved. According to Bosna (2001), the journey toward optimal development is characterized by an openness to change, support from elements within the environment, and the overall history of the developmental process. A balance between assimilation in the culture and the culture’s ability to accommodate the individual’s commitments is seen as representative of optimal development.
Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
Ego identity as defined in Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stage theory as the conscious sense of self that individuals develop through social interactions. Ego identity changes as the person has new experiences with others and acquires new information through those interactions.
Identity, according to Erikson, is the series of ideals, values, and beliefs that result in the set of behaviors an individual displays. The development of identity begins in early childhood and continues across the lifespan. This development becomes most important ins adolescence but adults continue to development their identities throughout life. The individual’s identity provides an integrated sense of self that enhances wellbeing and continued de...

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...ure that discussed cross-culture differences in immigrant populations that had been previously overlooked because of the perceived similarities of these cultures with the mainstream culture. The findings of the recent studies, however, would indicate that identity structures are similar in European cultures but the processes of development of ego identity are viewed differently.
Review of Cross cultural literature
Studies into the development of ego identity of individuals in a number of countries has increased dramatically over the years. The following section highlights a number of countries that have begun their exploration of this issue and the findings. This review involves a brief sampling of the available studies with some key findings from several countries including Saudi Arabia, China, Taiwan, Italy, Malaysia, Korea, Iran, Finland, Egypt, and others.