Why is it so hard to figure out who we are?

Today, we consider #5: Context.

People who are identity achieved are more likely to have close intimate relationships. And most of us would prefer to be in a relationship rather than alone, assuming the relationship is satisfying. So why aren’t more people identity achieved?

Well, in our past few blog postings, we have been learning about the many reasons why it is so difficult for adolescents and adults to reach the Identity Achievement status. So far we have considered the need to maintain an Equilibrium, Instability as a defining characteristic of adolescence and young adulthood, how we must acknowledge external and/or internal Conflict, as well as the Curiosity that encourages us to explore.

Now we consider Context, or the environments in which we live. Think of your local botanical garden. At any time of year, you can visit it to see spectacular plants and gorgeous flowers in bloom. Why? Because the botanical garden’s conservatory creates ideal conditions for these flora to thrive. The same goes for humans.