Neil Solan

ABSTRACT

The present study non-experimentally investigates the multifaceted nature and formation of one’s individual identity, and how one forms into the person they see themselves as. Through observational studies, descriptive research, and correlation, the study examines how personal, social, and cultural factors converge into shaping sense of self. The study argues identity remains not steady but an ever long evolving construct forming through interactions and decisions between an individual and their respective experiences with things such as family, community, media, and work. Further drawing upon psychological discussion of what makes authenticity, the paper investigates how identity reflects one’s autonomy and their adaptation throughout life, iterating true identity represents the construct of all experiences and decisions a person makes.

KEYWORDS: Identity, Social, Formation, Social Perception, Culture, Authenticity, Belonging, Self-Awareness, Identity Formation, Sense of Self

The Theories of Identity

Identity represents not a single definable characteristic or formation. Identity acts as a constantly changing trait reflecting experience, culture, and one’s perception. From the moment a person begins life, identity already creates substance. In everything people watch, copy, and learn, deciding whether or not to replicate those actions reflects identity and the formation. From interacting with first family members to first friends to last, one engages in an everlasting journey of identity, constantly transforming from person to person and from day to day. Each decision and encounter adds depth to the process, transforming who one presents oneself as, changing from person to person. Whether one presents the thoughts one believes belong to oneself or solely reflections of what one experiences resides in the ongoing internal dialogue between self and environment.

The Foundations of Identity Over Life

The foundations defining one emerge more and more throughout a life. From the earliest days, one internalizes experiences from earliest moments, and from there the foundations of identity form, where people start to decide what they like, what they dislike, and how they want to act. “From birth to around age five, children begin to develop an idea of who they become (their ‘sense of self’). In the first year of life, they start to distinguish between ‘I’ and ‘you,’ realizing others exist as separate individuals” (Hashmi, 2025, para. 3). These early patterns of interaction allow infants to shape their reality and sense of self at even young ages. Before the age of five, children internalize themselves and distinguish themselves from others, showing their concept of their own identity. In this way, identity develops over time without a stagnant structure as the brain matures as well as afterwards. Through continuous feedback and adaptation, a child begins to understand the social and psychological environments around them, evolving to expand understanding and in what place, forming a concept of self.

Identity Develops Across the Human Lifespan

As reiterated multiple times throughout the course of this paper, identity constantly changes, which makes the process nearly impossible to map. Each decision, no matter how small, shapes perception from others and one’s own outlook on right, wrong, and what one wants to represent themselves by. Early childhood begins this process through simple imitation and learning, and, similar to identity throughout one’s life, though less effective as age increases, the process highly depends on those surrounding an infant. “Recent research in humans suggests the quality of parental care remains critical to infant emotional development, due in part to their pronounced ability to regulate infant behavior and physiology. For example, parental presence regulates stress hormones and brain activity in children, but not adolescents” (Perry, Blair, & Sullivan, 2017, para. 5). This quality impacts the life of an infant and their response, reinforcing the role of parental influence in shaping a child’s identity. During the critical developmental stage of infancy, the time spent with guardians forms an initial sense, as caregivers enforce behavior through regulation, shaping habits, structure, and function in life, persisting even on the biological level by regulating stress and brain activity. This impact holds significant during the early stage of brain development, when infants absorb information with minimal ability to form independent thoughts (Nelson & Gabard-Durnam, 2020, para. 8). These beginnings of structure and guidance prove instrumental to identity formation, as infants replicate and internalize ideas, reiterating them throughout their lives whether they choose to continue to follow or to create unique choices in their everyday lives of formation construction forming themselves anew everyday.

Childhood Experiences

One’s childhood holds a vast impact on one’s life. From those who grow under the pretense of a certain religion to those who grow with specific ideals or household rules, these stipulations frame the lives of infants under their parents and holds defining impact on their future values, relationships, and worldview. “Infancy (0–2 years): This marks when individuals form their first attachments and learn basic trust” (Nisar, 2024, para. 6). In this stage, humans begin to engage with the world for the first time and develop early feelings toward people and experiences. Just as someone who learns to write letters in a certain way often continues writing the same way for life, in infancy people learn basic attachments and form first ideas and conceptions shaping thoughts (McLeod, 2024, para. 8). For example, initial schemata, which means “a cognitive framework or concept helping organize and interpret information. Simply put, a schema describes patterns of thinking and behavior people use to interpret the world,” allows one to grasp how a person approaches different situations (Cherry, 2025, para. 1). In the same way, individuals apply previously built habits, ideas, and thoughts when reacting or making decisions (McLeod, 2024, para. 9). For example, someone who gets praise for neat handwriting as a child develops a mental framework believing they possess above-average handwriting until entering a new environment where others’ handwriting appears better. This leads to a new framework through assimilation and accommodation. Accommodation means “the cognitive process of modifying their present mental schemas or creating new ones when new information or experiences receive inadequate interpretation through current mental frameworks” (McLeod, 2024, para. 3), while assimilation “represents the process of integrating new information into premiering cognitive structures called schemas, which remains inherently conservative, aiming to maintain cognitive stability” (McLeod, 2024, para. 6). These two functions of schemata emphasize the brain’s process of storing information into categories accessible in certain scenarios, allowing people to develop ideals, rejections, and acceptance under which one decides to live (McLeod, 2024, para. 10). Through this, people accommodate new information and alter thinking when presented with more accurate knowledge (McLeod, 2024, para. 11). For instance, a child believing all four-legged animals fit into a single category receives correction by encountering different species, expanding understanding through accommodation (McLeod, 2024, para. 12). This idea extends to beliefs such as religion. Many Indian Americans begin eating chicken even though most Hindus in India live as vegetarians. As they move to the United States, they adapt to the “American” diet, consuming meat despite religious restrictions (Jonnalagadda & Diwan, 2005, para. 8). By accommodating to their surroundings, they slightly change their beliefs, modifying their religious identity. Alongside religion, language development also contributes to identity, as language connects people to specific groups (Schroeder et al., 2016, para. 5). Speaking English, for example, causes someone to identify with Americans, citizens of the United Kingdom, or other English-speaking countries. However, someone whose birthplace lies elsewhere, such as in India or the Philippines, leads one to associate parts of identity with the society, further shaping sense of self (Norton, 2013, para. 3).

Adolescents Exploring and Constructing their “Own” Identity. Adolescence provides a unique period for identity development. While still in the early stages of life, adolescents begin to form their own opinions, or what they believe represent their own opinions. During this stage, a child starts deciding what they actually want to believe in and how they want to live. Parents often view this as the beginning of rebellion, and adolescence marks the point when a person begins making independent choices about values, beliefs, and social circles. This ranges from questioning the religion they receive in childhood to deciding who they want to spend time with. However, adolescents often live under the misconception they form their identity entirely on their own. While their capable of independence to an extent, many of their beliefs stem from their families and close friends (Erikson, 1968, para. 5). For example, many younger siblings carry a similar identity to their older siblings or parents. “Sibling relations… represent a significant model in the socialization of the other siblings in different areas… academic and leisure interests” (Merino, 2021, para. 4). This means younger siblings often follow the academic behaviors of their older siblings, whether positive or negative (Merino, 2021, para. 5). The study shows older siblings play an active role in shaping the identity of younger siblings. If an older sibling struggles, the struggle reflects in the younger sibling’s sense of identity, demonstrating academic identity shifts through imitation (Merino, 2021, para. 6). Essentially, sibling modeling plays a major role in the development of academic and personal identity during adolescence (Merino, 2021, para. 7).

Midlife Starting New Identity Transformations. Midlife provides a unique perspective and time from person to person. Whether they go through a midlife crisis or cruise through their lives, midlife provides new viewpoints. At the literal midpoint of life, this marks a time for realization. With all the life already living behind someone, this marks a time of reflection, as one questions whether they feel satisfied with how they live, whether they feel fulfilled, how they plan to approach things differently (Lachman, 2014, para. 2). In the same way, the process sparks new opportunities to expand upon earlier stationed identity. Psychologist Erik Erikson describes this phase as the conflict of generativity versus stagnation, a period when people strive to create meaning through work, family, and contributions to society rather than focusing solely on personal achievement (McLeod, 2024, para. 9). Those arriving at this time experience extremely varied feelings from fulfillment to disconnection. Research suggests midlife identity takes shape by social roles and major transitions such as parenting, career changes, strong signs of aging, and the challenge to an individual to refine their earlier ambitions and the progress they make towards themselves in the future (Lachman, 2014, para. 4). A significant movement marks this stage in life from looking for external success to internal rewards, of emotional stability and contribution over competition (Lachman, 2014, para. 5). In the same way, midlife signals not necessarily incoming decline but a reconstruction with an ample amount of time to reconstruct identity with accumulated experiences and fostering a deeper sense of self and contribution to surroundings. Research by Margie E. Lachman describes midlife as a “pivotal period in the life course in terms of balancing growth and decline, linking earlier and later periods of life, and bridging generations” (Lachman, 2014, para. 3). In Lachman’s review, she highlights while physical and cognitive changes impair certain goals, they simultaneously lead to revelations, and adults often experience more improved emotional regulation and power in their emotional well-being (Lachman, 2014, para. 6). The midlife phase offers ample opportunity, and a longitudinal study on generativity, the concern for guiding the next generation, finds identity transformation depends on prior commitments and social investments (Peterson et al., 2002, para. 5). These findings demonstrate identity transformation occurs not uniformly but varies according to earlier life experiences and goals (Peterson et al., 2002, para. 6). Midlife, often appearing as a static point of maturity past the prime of life, proves quite the opposite in terms of identity, acting as a prompt for reformation, integrating past experiences and wisdom into future orientation to forge a more adaptive identity and coherence with life (Lachman, 2014, para. 7).

Late Adulthood and Influences on Self Reflection. Late adulthood, from the perspective of a child or anyone of younger age, appears partly depressing depending on the scenario. From living in a nursing home to staying home alone due to the passing of a loved one, late adulthood appears as a time where most of life passes and one lives in wait of death or without passion, believing prime years of activity and passion lie behind them. However, while this section of life, like every other, varies greatly from person to person, one marks the period as a time of reflection and reorientation, making peace with life and recollecting the wisdom one possesses to pass on to the next generation. Psychologist Erik Erikson identifies this stage as the conflict of Integrity versus Despair, in which people reflect on whether they live a life consistent with their values and purpose (McLeod, 2024, para. 10). This research exemplifies those who achieve their own sense of self  in integrity holds better ability to accept their experiences and find peace in the identity they form, while others fall into despair, thinking they live not enough life and feel regret and dissatisfaction. Research shows self-reflection in late adulthood leads to a stronger identity even as physical and social changes occur. A study finds older adults who engage in positive reminiscence, outlook on their past life, report a much greater psychological well-being and life satisfaction (Cappeliez & O’Rourke, 2002, para. 7). This suggests reflecting in a positive mindset reinforces a stable identity, granting confidence as if coming to peace allows someone to develop an identity of confidence and pride with acceptance of how life plays out because without those events and life they lack the identity they currently posses. With the everlasting and changing identity throughout life, even in late moments one entirely changes the beliefs they possess but also chooses to make peace with the way they live out their lives. In the same way, late adulthood marks not an end to identity formation, though the prefrontal cortex rears near the final stage of growth, but a culmination and time for outlook, where the sum of one’s choices, relationships, and beliefs gains the opportunity to converge into a final understanding and positioning of self through encouragement and joy in their look back and forward (Cappeliez & O’Rourke, 2002, para. 7).

Culture Shapes the Development of Identity.

One’s culture varies greatly as the world consists of very diverse ecosystems with beliefs on nearly everything. Culture remains known for defining roles in identity, with the decision to identify with a certain culture placing someone in a certain ethnic group, certain country, and governing certain beliefs, but also providing the opportunity to diversify oneself with different and varying levels of belief from how individuals see themselves to how they relate to others. From early childhood choosing to practice devoutly or less seriously, or even entirely rejecting the ideas the culture supports, becoming an “outcast.” The American Psychological Association defines culture as “the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices characterizing an institution, organization, or group” (American Psychological Association, 2023, para. 1). In the same way, culture defines and allocates one from a large group, such as within the United States where culture remains very diverse, forming a unique culture in the melting pot of the country. However, the concept also varies greatly in another country like Japan, known for strictness in politeness and avoiding any actions causing annoyance or inconvenience to others. Within these large categories, the smaller distinctions such as the culture following within religious settings, like living within a church or mosque, where cultural expectations differ significantly. From early childhood, the cultural environment teaches values, customs, and social norms defining where one places oneself. After all, one of the most defining factors of identity shows the environment shapes someone through culture, with the few standouts acting as outcasts who oppose cultural norms. Cultural background determines which behaviors people consider acceptable what roles people expect to play in society. As Matsumoto and Juang explain, “culture provides the blueprint for how people perceive themselves and others, shaping thoughts, emotions, and behaviors across development” (Matsumoto and Juang, 2023, para. 2). This means a person growing in a collectivist society valuing community and interdependence defines identity in relation to family or group roles, while in an individualist society valuing independence, people focus more on personal goals and self-expression. Research shows bicultural individuals often form new cultures of their own, integrating elements from both cultures they belong to, allowing for flexible identity expression and resilience in multicultural settings (Nguyen & Benet-Martínez, 2013, para. 5). In the same way, culture acts both as a framework and as a guide to forming one’s individual identity, allowing people to make choices about how they act upon the identity surrounding them, with the constant possibility of either conforming or redefining themselves. As individuals move between different cultural contexts, they gain ability to adapt and refine sense of identity, receiving exposure to a multitude of differing viewpoints and expanding personal outlook..

Race and Ethnicity Contribute to Identity Formation. Race and ethnicity act as strong drivers of a community’s identity and often represent factors imposing themselves upon someone. Depending on the place and culture from within one enters the world, circumstances essentially decide race and ethnicity completely. And this imposing and unchosen factor dictates much of the identity a person holds ability to form. Depending on the ethnicity birth assigns to someone, as long as one stays within the confines of the ethnicity, then ethnicity establishes a boundary around identity. Cirjak defines ethnicity as “an individual belonging to a specific culture, social groups or nation” (Cirjak, 2020, para. 1). And in this they stimulate and restrain participants of a culture by influencing how societies function overall (Cirjak, 2020, para. 6). With the same following for ethnicities as people differ in life depending on the development of the world surrounding them from their expectations and negative and positive stereotypes the world surrounding them forms (Cirjak, 2020, para. 7). According to research, “racial identity represents more biological identity incorporating the physical characteristics of a group” while “ethnic identity refers to the cultural historical and social identity of a group” (Spencer et al., 2016, para. 3). Psychologist Jean Phinney develops a model of ethnic identity formation with three main stages: an unexamining identity where individual reflects not critically on their ethnicity, a searching or exploration phase an encounter with discrimination or cultural awareness triggers, and finally an achieving identity developing a secure and confident sense of their ethnic identity (Phinney, 1990, para. 4).

Religious and Spiritual Beliefs Influence Identity. Religious and spiritual beliefs prove interesting when discussing identity formation as for most people religion dawns on them at a young age, forming opinions whether they want the influence or not. For others, religion comes up out of self interest, presenting a way to find oneself and to explore inner thought or aligning oneself with a god in order to achieve a sense of peace and remorse from past actions. “Religiosity represents a central dimension of personality for many individuals, shaping both interpersonal relationships and the regulation of behavior” (Saroglou, 2011, para. 2). In this sense faith acts as a compass affecting the way people respond to challenges and find their moral standards to which they live. For some, individuals inherit religious identity from family and cultural norms and community involvement reinforces the practice. While others form independent spiritual beliefs as they grow, “Spiritual involvement promotes well-being and self-coherence, as the practice allows individuals to connect their sense of purpose with their broader worldview” (Pargament & Mahoney, 2017, para. 4). And at the same time a loss of faith or religious doubt spark’s identity changes, compelling individuals to reexamine the rules and identity under which they live. The connection between faith and identity extends beyond individual belief. With the supreme court recognizing this factor in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972), ruling mandatory schooling beyond eighth grade violates Amish parents’ right to freely exercise their religion, emphasizing education, work, and family life remain inseparable for some faith. Similarly, in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (2014), the Supreme Court ruling affirms religious identity extends even to corporations, allowing them to refuse coverage based on religious objections, further demonstrating how deeply law recognizes faith as integral to identity formation (Alito, 2014, para. 23). With this religion shows how strongly the practice impacts identity formation and contributes to sharing identity, in this case towards the Amish. Thus, religion and spirituality further emphasize the status of identity remaining fluid as religion shapes early identity but also changes as ideas and values in identity shift and conform to fit sense of self whether identity across lifespan whether through devotion, questioning, or the search of meaning. Identity remains everchanging, religion and spiritual beliefs follow and shape the process.

National and Political Beliefs. National and political beliefs further influence one’s sense of self. By identifying with a particular political party, a person shapes beliefs to align with the party’s agenda, thereby shaping identity. National beliefs strongly shape how individuals define where they belong in society. These beliefs influence not only worldview and social affiliations but also provide a sense of purpose within a larger community. Political identity especially affects how people perceive right and wrong and how they define justice, often serving as a key component of both personal and group belonging. “National identity reflects an individual’s sense of attachment to their nation and the emotional significance they attribute to membership in the national group” (Huddy & Khatib, 2007, para. 2). This connection between nation and politics fosters a sense of unity, pride, and motivation to contribute to society. However, when individuals experience political polarization or shift between parties, identity changes dramatically as these forces act upon present beliefs. Similar to culture and religion, political ideology often shapes moral values, societal priorities, and even interpersonal relationships, presenting a point of both connection and contention among peers. “Political ideology functions as a psychological framework through which individuals interpret information and define their position within a sociopolitical system” (Jost et al., 2009, para. 3). This framework evolves over time as individuals gain exposure to new perspectives or live through major societal events challenging prior convictions. National and political beliefs serve as anchors to one’s identity and catalysts in ongoing construction and reconstruction, influencing how individuals connect, form communities, and define their role within the world around them.

Social Relationships

Social relationships play one of, if not the most, defining roles in a fluid and ever-changing identity, shaping who a person develops into. Often, in relationships, people conform to their partners by adopting beliefs, changing ideals, and adjusting themselves to fit what their partners want them to transform into. In doing so, one assumes a temporary identity lasting as long as the relationship continues or fading when the connection ends. In another sense, relationships shape who people form into depending on the people they spend time with. After all, “individuals become the average of the five people they spend the most time with” (Rohn, 2005, para. 3). Friendships and community connections all serve as mirrors from which people begin to view themselves. “Social interactions provide feedback helping individuals form and adjust their self-concept based on how others perceive and respond to them” (Leary & Baumeister, 2000, para. 4). This reinforces identity forms not in isolation but rather in the continuous exchange of approval, rejection, and sharing experiences with others. Over time, these relationships reinforce certain traits while challenging others, as people decide which beliefs and characteristics they include in the person they perceive themselves developing into. For instance, supportive relationships strengthen confidence, self-concept, and emotional resilience, while negative or toxic relationships distort self-confidence, hinder self-projection, and slow identity development. “A strong sense of belonging within social groups associates with higher self-esteem and greater psychological well-being” (Baumeister & Leary, 1995, para. 6). Social connections therefore serve as a foundational element for personal understanding, providing both affirmation and opposition helping individuals define who they turn into. In this way, relationships act as a stabilizing and evolving force in identity, shaping how individuals see themselves and how they relate to the world around them.

Gender and Sexual Orientation Define Parts of Identity. Gender and sexual orientation represent two fundamental aspects shaping how individuals experience and express identity. From early childhood, gender roles and norms begin to influence behavior, differentiating genders from one another. From appearance to social interaction, society provides and enforces expectations and cues about what people consider appropriate and right for each gender, shaping how people view themselves and how others perceive them. “Gender identity” refers to an individual’s deeply held sense of self as male, female, or another gender, which aligns not always with one’s biological sex at birth (American Psychological Association, 2015, para. 2). Biology influences this personal understanding of gender, as do cultural and environmental factors. Similarly, sexual orientation, the pattern of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction toward others, plays a vital role in identity formation. “Sexual orientation represents a core aspect of human identity contributing to how people experience intimacy, relationships, and belonging” (Herek, 2010, para. 4). When individuals feel supported in expressing their gender and orientation, the likelihood to experience higher self-esteem and overall well-being in themselves increases. In the same sense, discrimination and stigma lead to internal conflict in one’s sense of identity and self-expression. Studies also show environments fostering acceptance promote authenticity (Meyer, 2003, para. 18).

The intersection of gender and sexual orientation with cultural context creates particularly complex identity negotiations. Individuals navigating multiple marginalized identities often face compounded challenges in identity formation, requiring them to reconcile different aspects of self across varying social contexts (American Psychological Association, 2015, para. 5). For instance, someone identifying as transgender within a religious community may experience tension between spiritual beliefs and gender expression, forcing a constant renegotiation of identity boundaries. Research demonstrates individuals living in more accepting environments develop stronger, more integrated identities compared to those facing persistent discrimination and rejection (Meyer, 2003, para. 22). The process of coming out, revealing one’s gender identity or sexual orientation to others, marks a significant milestone in identity development, representing both vulnerability and authenticity. This disclosure often occurs gradually across different social contexts, with individuals selectively revealing aspects of identity based on perceived safety and acceptance (Herek, 2010, para. 8). The ongoing nature of coming out throughout life, repeatedly explaining or defending one’s identity to new people and in new situations, shapes how individuals understand and articulate their sense of self. Additionally, exposure to diverse gender expressions and sexual orientations through media, education, and personal relationships allows individuals to explore and affirm their identities with greater confidence (American Psychological Association, 2015, para. 7). Ultimately, gender and sexuality intersect with culture, family, and personal experience to create unique expressions of identity, reflecting both individuality and belonging.

Evolutionary Perspectives

From an evolutionary perspective, identity serves as a mechanism for survival and cooperation. The traits people associate with their sense of self, such as loyalty, empathy, and group belonging, originate as evolutionary advantages through the process of natural selection. “Evolutionary psychology suggests human behavior, including the formation of identity, evolved to solve recurrent adaptive problems faced by our ancestors” (Buss, 2019, para. 2). Early humans rely heavily on societies and social interactions within groups for protection and resource sharing, and in doing so, develop a sense of belonging and self-concept remaining essential to maintaining social cohesion. “Group identity likely evolved as a way to strengthen cooperation and coordination among individuals who shared common goals and values” (Tajfel & Turner, 1979, para. 3). This need to belong continues today, influencing modern behavior as people seek inclusion in cliques, friend groups, and communities providing a sense of safety, approval, and sharing purpose. Evolutionary perspectives explain the persistence of status-seeking and reputation-building behaviors, which once signal competence and reliability within a community. Research shows the desire for positive recognition within groups links strongly to well-being and self-worth (Sedikides & Skowronski, 2020, para. 5). In this way, identity functions not only as a psychological construct of social interaction form but also as an evolutionary adaptation ensuring survival, cooperation, and continuity across generations. The concept reflects how societies and humans evolve to form identity systems extending beyond individual lifetimes, shaping the social and cultural legacies influencing future generations.

Conclusion

Identity represents an ever long and ever-evolving construct developing throughout a lifetime. From early childhood to late adulthood, the concept changes with every new experience, relationship, and belief, whether choosing or compelling. Influenced by culture, family, religion, and society, one’s identity remains impossible to comprehend from a single perspective. The concept instead represents a constant interaction between the self and the environment across the lifespan. Identity transforms through reflection, adaptation, and learning, psychological, cultural, and evolutionary factors shaping the process. Understanding this process reveals identity’s view not as an endpoint or a fixing destination but a lifelong journey of growth, self-reflection, and eventual realization.

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