Identity In Erik Josselson's Research

Identity is defined as who someone is: the qualities, beliefs, etc., which make a particular person or group different from others (Webster). Some people define their identity by others and life events. The identity of a woman is often linked to the relationships that she shares with others, such as a wife, mother, daughter, sister or friend (Collins, 2001). Experiences that women encounter can also become a part of their identity if they allow it to hold a place in their life. It is important for women to talk about their experiences so that negative events do not take control of their identity.

Josselson’s Theory of Identity Development in Women

James Marcia, using Erik Erikson’s work as a foundation for his research, investigated identity

Some incorporate it in the way they build future relationships, some embrace the fact that they are survivors and others deny the event and that denial begins to affect their social, metal and physical health. Victims of sexual assault have the opportunity to speak to professional counselors that will help them overcome their past assault and but many women do not reach the foreclosure and identity achievement stage. Victims of sexual assault scored higher on depression, trait anxiety, dissociation, and PTSD, as well as behavioral problems such as aggression, delinquent behaviors, and school problems; by adulthood, the major group differences were higher depression and alcohol and drug abuse (Trickett, Noll, Putnam, 2013). Lasting effects such as these reflect in a person’s

These emotions can be so overwhelming that is becomes a permanent part of the survivor’s identity. This inability to create an identity away outside of the sexual assault is a clear indication of a women you are in the moratorium and identity diffusion stage. Offering resources that allow a female student to speak about their traumatic experience whether they were from the past or present is the best way to help students overcome their situations, comprehend the crisis and move into the foreclosure and identity achievement stage. It is important to allow students to have the opportunity to discuss their options such as their career choices, majors and positive aspect of their personal lives. Allowing students to have this form of dialogue will provide them with issues that can eventually become a part of their identity outside of their trauma. Josselson’s theory of identity development in women held student affair practitioners understand their female student and provides a foundation in which they can build upon to create an adequate action