All About Identity

"We contain multitudes," wrote Walt Whitman, referring not to the highly contested diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder but to the fact that we see ourselves radically differently in different contexts. Everyone struggles with that existential plum, "Who am I?" For people who are overly concerned with other people's impressions, or who feel a core aspect of themselves, such as gender or sexuality, is not being expressed, this struggle is acute.

Recent posts on Identity

Acceptance: What Does It Mean?

Do you accept or tolerate your LGBT child? Lean the difference so you can resolve the conflict.

Paranoia: From Parenting to Politics

By Molly S. Castelloe Ph.D. on February 02, 2017 in The Me in We
How paranoia in American parenting fuels paranoia in politics.

Terror, Love, and Brainwashing

By The Book Brigade on February 02, 2017 in The Author Speaks
Cults and brainwashing are more common than you might think. The best defense is educating children about the dangers of manipulative people and the techniques they use.
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Split: Horror with a Side of Split Personality

By Jeremy Clyman Psy.D. on February 01, 2017 in Reel Therapy
Read on to learn how the split personality phenomenon can be considered at the unhealthy end of the identity spectrum.

What Would You Say to Your 16-Year-Old Self?

If you were writing a letter to your 16-year-old self, what would you say? What lessons have you learned in life that you might share with a much younger version of yourself?

The Beautiful Cart of Burdens

Do you act for others not out of genuine concern, but out of a need to act a certain way in order to maintain relationships?

52 Ways to Show I Love You: Choosing

Conscious awareness of choices we make, our motivation, and processes we use can enhance trust, stability and longevity in a close relationship. Consequences of decisions matter.
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Between Friends: Sexuality in Women's Friendships

By F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on January 26, 2017 in Off the Couch
A young female client once asked me,“If I like to look at other women does it mean I’m gay? Or bi?” What is the answer to that question?
likebw/Shutterstock

Twins: Individual Identities and Common Bonds

By Nancy L. Segal Ph.D. on January 26, 2017 in Twofold
Does a close twin relationship take away from individual identity?

How Culture Wires Our Brains

By Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on January 26, 2017 in Between Cultures
Cultural neuroscience research is shedding light on how culture affects our neural activity and the way we represent the self in our brains.

Bullying, Identity, and the "Escape from Freedom"

“If humanity cannot live with the dangers and responsibilities inherent in freedom, it will probably turn to authoritarianism.” Erich Fromm, 1941.

FoMO? No, DoMO! "The Desire of Missing Out" Debuts

Millennial lexicon touts the fear of missing out (FoMO) but neglects DoMO.

Help! I Think My Kid is Gay

By Deborah J. Cohan, Ph.D. on January 17, 2017 in Social Lights
Support for parents and youth

The Psychology Of Professional Purpose: Follow Your Calling

By Caroline Beaton on January 16, 2017 in The Gen-Y Guide
Three ways to make your job a calling—without even changing occupations.

Is ‘Gaydar’ Really a Thing?

By David Ludden Ph.D. on January 16, 2017 in Talking Apes
People can be surprisingly accurate at judging others’ sexual orientation from nonverbal cues, but only because ‘gaydar’ works just like other social intuitions.

Is There a Millennial Personality Type?

What do we know about the psychology of millennials? Empirical and clinical evidence may offer the keys to unlocking the mystery.

The Film Lion Provides Insights into Adoptive Relationships

By E. Kay Trimberger Ph.D. on January 07, 2017 in Adoption Diaries
Comparing the film Lion with the memoir on which it is based, provides insights into how the relationships between adoptive and birth families can extend our ideas of family.

An Open Letter to Parents From a College Psychiatrist

By Georgia Ede MD on December 31, 2016 in Diagnosis: Diet
Why do so many college students experience emotional distress before going home for break? Some tips for parents can help ease the pain.

Redealing Personality Disorder Diagnoses

A new deal for DSM-VI may mean a new shuffle of diagnoses as well.

Standing Up to Ageism

By Holly Parker, Ph.D. on December 29, 2016 in Your Future Self
Have you ever thought that you were too old to do something that younger adults do and then stopped doing it purely because you accepted this belief?

Why We Aren't Simply "Free to be Me"

By Michael Mascolo Ph.D. on December 28, 2016 in Values Matter
We are told that the "freedom to be me" is a good thing. But what type of "me" should I be free to be?

Maybe If I Was Younger...

By Dawn R. Norris, Ph.D. on December 28, 2016 in The Next Step
Adopting age stereotypes into our identities can lead to work-related problems.
ByeByeTokyo/iStockphoto

Managing Your Holiday Identity Crisis

By Tara Well Ph.D. on December 24, 2016 in The Clarity
Do holiday gatherings leave you questioning yourself? A few tips can boost your confidence.

Free Will and Moral Practice

Can we coherently show full contrition without free will? It depends on what you mean by, "If I had it to do over again, I would have done something different."

Let Go of Your Inner Critic, an Unwelcome Holiday Guest

By Lisa Firestone Ph.D. on December 22, 2016 in Compassion Matters
To be the most present and ourselves during the holidays (or any season), we must let go of our inner critic.

Psychology and Spirituality: BFFs or Rivals?

By Itai Ivtzan Ph.D. on December 22, 2016 in Mindfulness for Wellbeing
What happens when we live both rational psychology and self-transcendent spirituality? We live life fully.

Last Minute Holiday Toys that Break the Gender Box

By Karlyn Crowley Ph.D. on December 21, 2016 in Woman Power
Don't let final toy shopping countdown get you down, try these toys that free your child's development.

Re-humanizing thru Art —Pressing On with the Discourse

By David Gussak Ph.D., ATR-BC on December 20, 2016 in Art on Trial
Relabeling dehumanized inmates with a new self identity may allow them to rise above the oppression that makes it difficult for them to adapt and succeed. Art can help.

Why Reveal Your Disability or ‘Hidden Identity’ at Work?

Recent research suggests keeping things concealed may not be best.

When the Expectation Is for Parents to Hover

By Robert T Muller Ph.D. on December 14, 2016 in Talking About Trauma
Problems arise when parent involvement extends too far, leaving young adults helpless in trying to find their footing, impeding normal development and independence.