Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Identität / Español: Identidad / Português: Identidade / Français: Identité / Italiano: Identità /

Identity refers to person's self-concept or a person's sense of who he/she is.

In psychology, identity refers to the characteristics, beliefs, values, and personality traits that define an individual and make them unique. It is a complex construct that develops over time and is influenced by various factors such as genetics, environment, culture, and personal experiences.

Here are some examples of identity:

• Gender identity: The sense of being male or female, which is typically formed during childhood and adolescence.

• Ethnic identity: The sense of belonging to a particular racial or ethnic group, which is often based on shared cultural traditions, language, and history.

• Sexual identity: The sense of one's sexual orientation, which can be heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual.

• National identity: The sense of belonging to a particular country or nation, which can be influenced by factors such as language, history, and culture.

• Religious identity: The sense of belonging to a particular religion or spiritual belief system, which can be a significant part of one's sense of self.

The development of identity is a lifelong process, and it can change over time as individuals experience new things and go through different life stages. Psychologists study identity to better understand how people develop and maintain a sense of self, and how this impacts their behavior, relationships, and overall well-being.