Who Am I?: Understanding Identity and the Many Ways We Define Ourselves - Hardcover

by Christine L. B. Selby (Author)

What is identity? What factors contribute to it, how does it develop, and how does a strong or weak sense of self impact one's health, happiness, and future?

Many of us grapple with the seemingly simple question, "Who am I?" and struggle to integrate our experiences at school, at home, and with friends into our burgeoning sense of identity. How we see ourselves can influence the friends we choose, the decisions we make, and our mental and physical well-being. Having a strong sense of self can help us resist peer pressure, avoid risky behaviors, and make choices and plans that align with our values and interests.

Who Am I? Understanding Identity and the Many Ways We Define Ourselves examines the subjects of identity and identity formation across the lifespan, with special emphasis on the teenage years. Beyond simply discussing relevant psychological theories, the book focuses on how identity formation happens in the real world and how it affects daily life. It also includes a collection of fictional case studies that provide concrete, relatable illustrations of concepts discussed in the book.

Author Biography

Christine L. B. Selby, PhD, is a staff psychologist at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, USA. She also maintains a part-time private practice as a licensed counseling and sport psychologist.