Identity theory

Jan E. Stets

Richard T. Serpe

pp. 31-60

in: Amanda Ward (ed), Handbook of social psychology, Berlin, Springer, 2013

Abstract

Identity theory has developed into an important theoretical framework within sociological social psychology. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the central ideas within the theory such as identity verification and identity salience, the different methodological approaches (survey and laboratory research) that have been used to study identities, and how to measure key concepts. We also review the substantive issues that have advanced the theory such as multiple identities and the role of emotions in the identity process, as well as how the theory has been applied to other sociological areas of investigation such as violence research and the sociology of education. Finally, we discuss substantive areas for future work such as the study of identity formation and change, and we look to how identity theory can be advanced by linking it to other social psychological theories such as affect control theory, expectations states theory, and social identity theory.