Definition

Noun: A state of psychological distress and confusion, particularly experienced during adolescence or significant life transitions, characterized by uncertainty about one's personal identity, values, and social role.

Usage

An "identity crisis" describes a period of intense self-questioning where an individual feels uncertain about who they are, their purpose, or their place in the world. It is a common concept in developmental psychology.

Examples

• The character in the novel suffers from an identity crisis, unsure if he is an artist or a businessman.
• Moving to a new country can sometimes trigger an identity crisis as one navigates a different culture.
• Many teenagers experience an identity crisis as they try to establish their independence and beliefs.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in an identity crisis": to be currently experiencing this state of confusion.
  • The company seems to be in an identity crisis, unsure if it wants to be a luxury brand or a mass-market retailer.
• "to undergo an identity crisis": to go through this challenging period.
  • After retiring, he underwent a brief identity crisis before finding new passions.

Variants and Related Words

• Identity (n): The qualities, beliefs, and expressions that make a person or group who they are.
• Crisis (n): A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.

Synonyms

• Self-doubt
• Role confusion
• Existential crisis (this implies broader questions about meaning and existence)

Related Phrases

• "Soul-searching": Deep and careful thought about one's feelings and motives.
  • Her year of travel was a period of intense soul-searching.
• "To question one's identity": A phrase describing the core action within an identity crisis.
  • The documentary made her question her identity as a consumer.

Noun

1. distress and disorientation (especially in adolescence) resulting from conflicting pressures and uncertainty about one's self and one's role in society