Personal Identity Formation in the Georgian Context - Quantitative and Qualitative Approach

Abstract

Identity formation is one of the main developmental tasks of emerging adulthood. Based on quantitative data on a five-dimensional model of identity formation, we concluded that the identity formation process has some different features in Georgia than it does in many Western countries. Results yielded that adaptive identity process -exploration in breadth is highly correlated with less adaptive ruminative exploration. Cluster analysis, which produced six identity clusters, also supported this pattern. The qualitative study, using focus groups, examined how the Georgian cultural context influences young Georgians’ identity formation in different life domains.

It revealed three main themes in terms of contextual influences on identity formation: strong social norms, authoritative parenting approaches, and socio-economic conditions in the country. The results of quantitative and qualitative investigations complemented each other and enabled me to formulate some conclusions and recommendations, which are adapted to the Georgian context.

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