Exploration of the life experiences and beliefs of a married couple in their sixties: Identities and factors in their identity formation

Paul B.

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Exploration of the life experiences and beliefs of a married couple in their sixties: Identities and factors in their identity formation

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Abstract

This study used a semi structured interview on a married couple in their sixties in order to elicit information on the concept of identity. The data gathered was analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Themes relating to identity were highlighted and explored using Erikson's and Marcia's models of identity formation in explanation of the participant's ideas of their own identity. I conclude that the participants responses and my subsequent subjective analysis indicates a possibility that the participants identity development can be positioned in and explained by Erik Erikson's and James Marcia's respective theories on identity development. Psychologists have long pondered the questions "Who am I?" and "Who do others think I am?" These questions all ask of our identity; be it personal or social. These questions have provoked many studies in order to address them and many different methods have been used to gather data. It is apparent that in order to find out who someone thinks they are you must ask them. A variety of questionnaires and interview techniques have been formulated to study identity.

Abstract
Introduction
Method
Analysis
1. Structure in their identity formation
2. Uncertainty of identities
3. Fixidity
Discussion
Reflexivity
Bibliography

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[...] That's interesting the kinda notion of like, there's a lot 100 of shared experience between the two of you that you're 101 then can contrast with your own kid's experiences Jo: Mmm Dan: I mean talking about like the development of your own 104 identities, there's some kind of literature in psychology that says when a couple get together one of the biggest conflicts they 106 have is maintaining their own individual identities and 107 taking on a shared one. [...]

[...] Suggestions for further research into this area, with these participants, to consolidate or redress my understanding of their particular views and causal factors in their identity formation are also noted in the discussion. Analysis The predominant theme that stood out for me in analyzing these extracts were how Tony and Jo both feel that their identity has, especially in their early years, been shaped by outside influences. Both Tony and Jo cite instances where their actions/choices were constricted/directed by outside agencies and situations. [...]

[...] I believe that I have a good understanding of the theories and models relating to identity formation as these are a subject that has always interested me throughout my life. I am educated to A-level standard, have extensive and varied life experience. An important point about me is that all psychometric, work-related and learning style tests that I have taken always position me as extremely objective and logical. I always score very high on pragmatic and activist whilst scoring low on reflector and theorist however recent tests completed online, for personal interest, have shown significant rises in the last two sectors. [...]

[...] She has resisted and actively denies the need or rightness of the "shared identity" with her husband and although Tony at first seems to share this view it is apparent that he does not sit comfortably with it and would like, and have liked, more of a shared relationship with his wife. These beliefs, ideas and identity markers can be related to the areas in both Erikson's (1968) 8 developmental stages and Marcia's 4 identity status models. Marcia's model does seem to describe Tony's and Jo's identity is slightly better in that, on the basis of their responses and my analysis, I feel that both their identities can be described using his second status of "identity foreclosure". [...]

[...] In this study the views, beliefs and concepts of identity of a married couple in their sixties are investigated using a semi structured interview and the data analyzed using thematic analysis. The research question is: "How do Tony and Jo see structure or agency as integral in their identity formation and which do they feel had more influence on their identities?" Edited extracts on their interviews and the subsequent analysis follow in this report. The method is described and the discussion follows as to the relevance, of the meanings interpreted, to the two theories discussed above. [...]

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