Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Identity refers to a person's sense of self, including their beliefs, values, and personal characteristics. It is the understanding and recognition of one's own individuality.
Self-concept refers to the overall perception and evaluation an individual has of themselves. It includes both personal qualities and social identities.
Identity crisis: An identity crisis occurs when an individual experiences confusion or uncertainty about their sense of self or struggles to establish a clear identity.
Social identity: Social identity refers to the part of an individual's self-concept that comes from belongingness to various social groups, such as cultural, ethnic, or religious groups.