scholarly journals Group Identity as a Prognostic Factor of Mental Health in Preschool Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataliia V. Dyshlova

Introduction. Victim stance of an individual may arise due to negative social relationships (Chojnacka, 2020) and may be associated with the experience of loneliness (Barbaro, 1999); lack of close friends and rejection by peers; lack of play partner and negative relationships in childhood (Chase, 1999). However, studies investigating the peculiarities of group identity development and the problem of loneliness in preschool children are insufficiently presented in the modern scientific literature. In this article, the phenomenon of victimhood, the experience of acceptance or rejection by a group of peers are considered in the context of preschooler’s mental health genesis. Purpose. The aim of the study is to determine the features of group identity development in preschool children in kindergartens based on the examples of children and the memories of adults. Materials and methods: an anonymous survey with open-ended and closed-ended questions was used (n = 247). The participants of the survey were parents of preschoolers attending modern preschool educational institutions (n = 140) and respondents who attended kindergarten as children (n = 107, aged 12 to 55). They were asked to evaluate the organization of groups in kindergarten; the features of interpersonal interaction of children; meeting the needs of children in child-care facilities; the main functions of the kindergarten and their level of trust in educators. Results: Kindergarten is a second important environment where a child continues to develop his group identity and ego-identity, and not just a place where children stay when parents are at work. Children who have difficulty interacting with their peers often face aggression from peers, experience feelings of loneliness, but not always receive help from their teachers. The majority of respondents (75.7%) answered that the experience of communication in kindergarten influenced their emotional state, self-esteem and communicative competence at school. Conclusions: The peculiarities of children's group identity in the preschool period are experiences of interest in interaction with a certain group of peers, the desire to be accepted and at the same time hostility towards or lack of interest in other peers. A significant percentage of experienced loneliness among modern children (35.5%) and adults (27.1%) who attended kindergarten more than 30 years ago indicates that this problem has existed for decades and requires more attention from scientists. Absence of play partners and frequent conflicts with peers lead to low self-esteem, fear of communication with children, other toxic experience and, as a consequence, to the risks of victimization in the future

Author(s):  
Γεωργία Διαμαντοπούλου ◽  
Μαρία Πλατσίδου

In the last two decades, there has been a growing interest in short versions of questionnaires for measuring several psychological constructs. Focusing on identity development, in the present study, we extracted and tested the psychometric properties of the EIPQ-SF, a short version of the EIPQ scale for measuring identity according to Marcia’s identity statuses (achieved, foreclosed, moratorium and diffused identity). The data of our study derived from a sample of 210 college students aged 18-25 years. For extracting the EIPQ-SF, we first tested the content of the items of the original EIPQ and then we performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We evaluated the predictive validity of the EIPQ-SF by comparing the levels of self-esteem among participants with achieved, foreclosed, moratorium and diffused identity. The results of our study indicate that EIPQ-SF has a good factor structure and adequate validity and reliability; therefore, it can be used as a short scale for measuring identity in typical samples of young adults (university students). The advantages, applications as well as the limitations of the EIPQ-SF are thoroughly discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-52
Author(s):  
Stefanka Tomcheva

A case of psychotherapeutic practice for an adolescent between identity, symptom and balance. Individual identity is essential for mental health. Identity development is a basis of self-acceptance and good self-esteem. As Erikson (2013) pointed out, subjective sense of identity must continue to be rediscovered and developed in a never-ending process. Erikson emphasizes that the term of identity has different but generally interrelated meanings. In many situations it can be attributed to a conscious sense of individual identity, in the others – to “an unconscious battle” for continuity between tradition and individuality, in the third – to the stability of the self, and in the fourth – as a mechanism for maintaining internal balance with group (traditional) ideals and group (traditional) identity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-62
Author(s):  
Jelena Tovarović

Identity and self-esteem are important concepts in the development and understanding of individual's self-perception. Perceptions and opinions of significant others influence the construction of adolescents' representations of self and the formation of identity, which, in turn, can be a strong predictor of self-esteem. The significance of our research is reflected in the examination of subjective choices and commitment to roles, values and goals in the domains of religion, occupation, politics and relationships, which can all affect self-esteem. Hence, this paper aims to examine the relationship between identity and self-esteem, more precisely, the impact of identity on self-esteem. The study involved 487 adolescents who completed two questionnaires: the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (EOMEIS-2), which contains four statuses: Achievement, Foreclosure, Diffusion identity and Moratorium, and the Self-Liking Self-Competence Scale (SLSC) used for the assessment of self-esteem, consisting of two dimensions: Self-liking and Self-competence. Correlation analysis of four identity statuses and two dimensions of self-esteem showed a positive correlation of Self-competence and Self-liking with Achievement identity, and a negative correlation of the two dimensions of self-esteem with the Foreclosure, Diffusion identity and Moratorium. In order to analyze the influence of identity on self-esteem in more detail, a regression analysis was performed. When it comes to the dimensions of Self-competence and Self-liking, the most significant predictor is Achievement identity, while Moratorium and Foreclosure identity are less impactful predictors, with a negative sign. The results are interpreted in terms of the influence of identity on the level of self-esteem, as well as the importance of support from others, such as parents and peers. Finally, we provide guidelines for further research of the connection between identity, self-esteem and other concepts which play a significant role in the process of developing the concept of self.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 102-113
Author(s):  
David W. Gavel ◽  
Jon T. Mandracchia

Purpose Criminogenic thinking refers to patterns of specific cognitive events associated with criminal behavior that facilitate the development and maintenance of patterned criminal behavior. Relatively little is known about the specific processes involved in the development of criminogenic thinking. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine ego identity development and criminal associations as two possible predictors of criminogenic thinking. Design/methodology/approach Participants included 104 adult male state penitentiary inmates. Participants completed measures assessing ego identity status, criminogenic thinking, and the amount of time spent in the presence with other offers. Data were analyzed with a series of hierarchical regressions. Findings Results indicated that active engagement in the psychosocial process of identity development is associated with decreased criminogenic thinking. However, interaction with criminal associates and incarceration prior to the age of 18 were significant predictors of criminogenic thinking, regardless of identity development style. Implications for correctional mental health and offender rehabilitation are discussed. Originality/value As this is the first study of its’ kind and limitations are to be expected, there are several potential implications for correctional mental health and offender rehabilitation that are discussed.


1998 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay C. Wade

This article presents a theory of male identity developed to address the question of why men vary in their masculinity ideology and in their conformity to standards of masculinity. The theory, male reference group identity dependence, is based on two other theories—reference group theory and ego identity development theory. Reference group identity dependence is defined as the extent to which males are dependent on a reference group for their gender role self-concept. An overview of relevant masculinity research, theoretical foundations for the construct of reference group identity dependence, theoretical postulates, and associated behavioral and psychological characteristics are presented. Research implications of the theory are discussed and future research directions are provided.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-160
Author(s):  
Maia Mestvirishvili ◽  
Natia Mestvirishvili ◽  
Khatuna Martskvishvili ◽  
Luiza Arutinov

To achieve the status of ego identity remains the most important challenge for the adolescence period and consequently is a challenge for developmental psychologists too. The vast majority of studies focus on understanding the dynamics of ego identity development, however, factors that cause different path of development remained unclear. This study aims at tracking the paths, which differentiate ego statuses from finding psychosocial factors contributing to ego identity achievement. For this purpose the relationships between four identity statuses - achievement, exploration, moratorium and foreclosure and number of psychosocial variables such as attachment style, self-esteem and perfectionism have been examined. 386 school teenagers aged 14-17 (M = 15.48) filled a set of questionnaires comprised of four instruments: The Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (EIPQ), The Measure of Attachment Qualities (MAQ), The Perfectionism Inventory (PI) and Adult Sources of Self-Esteem Inventory (ASSEI). Discriminant analysis revealed two basic dimensions (adaptive and maladaptive), which are capable to depict the difference between ego identity statuses. The first discriminant function of ego identity status is primarily defined by conscientious perfectionism and secured attachment; whereas, the second discriminant function consists of avoidance attachment, self-evaluative perfectionism and ambivalent attachment styles. Key words: adolescence period, ego identity status, ego identity development, psychosocial factors.


Crisis ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Teismann ◽  
Laura Paashaus ◽  
Paula Siegmann ◽  
Peter Nyhuis ◽  
Marcus Wolter ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Suicide ideation is a prerequisite for suicide attempts. However, the majority of ideators will never act on their thoughts. It is therefore crucial to understand factors that differentiate those who consider suicide from those who make suicide attempts. Aim: Our aim was to investigate the role of protective factors in differentiating non-ideators, suicide ideators, and suicide attempters. Method: Inpatients without suicide ideation ( n = 32) were compared with inpatients with current suicide ideation ( n = 37) and with inpatients with current suicide ideation and a lifetime history of suicide attempts ( n = 26) regarding positive mental health, self-esteem, trust in higher guidance, social support, and reasons for living. Results: Non-ideators reported more positive mental health, social support, reasons for living, and self-esteem than suicide ideators and suicide attempters did. No group differences were found regarding trust in higher guidance. Suicide ideators and suicide attempters did not differ regarding any of the study variables. Limitations: Results stem from a cross-sectional study of suicide attempts; thus, neither directionality nor generalizability to fatal suicide attempts can be determined. Conclusion: Various protective factors are best characterized to distinguish ideators from nonsuicidal inpatients. However, the same variables seem to offer no information about the difference between ideators and attempters.


2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
pp. 102-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Bezborodovs ◽  
G. Thornicroft

SummaryWork plays an important part in everyday life. For people experiencing mental health problems employment may both provide a source of income, improved self-esteem and stability, and influence the course and outcomes of the disorder. Yet in many countries the work-place consistently surfaces as the context where people with mental health problems feel stigmatised and discriminated the most. This paper will review the existing evidence of stigma and discrimination in the workplace, consider the consequences of workplace stigma on the lives of people experiencing mental health problems, and discuss implications for further action.


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