In the age of rapidly growing technology, social media influences, new-coming perspectives and more, one’s identity becomes a core constant. When we find ourselves in the middle of a conversation that doesn’t exactly fit who we are or our beliefs, we tend to mould ourselves to fit in better, stand out or even negotiate our identities. This works on multiple levels and is a result of various socio-environmental factors. Affecting our mental health and subjective well-being over time. This identity negotiation theory basically explores how individuals understand and navigate their multiple identities during social interactions.
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What is Identity Negotiation?
The term Identity Negotiation was coined by Swann, W. B., Jr., & Bosson, J. K. (2008). In the simplest words, identity negotiation is self-exploration and interaction theory. It is when a person manipulates and moulds his identity or develops others’ identities to achieve interaction goals. It can be a means of self-presentation by using multiple identities and ways of interacting with an equal balance of trying to maintain your own identity as well (APA PsycNet, n.d.-d).
When one sees instances where their identity or ways of thinking and behaving are supported, they behave in a way that correlates with it. On the other hand, when one faces a situation or interactions that require them to act in a way different from their identity, they do it to merely satisfy the interaction goals by moulding themselves to other identities.
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How does culture affect identity?
Stella Ting-Toomey, in her research on the Identity Negotiation Theory in 1986, first spoke about cross-cultural effects. Factors like race, cast, gender, age, education, family, and more affect how one’s identity is shaped to begin with (Ting-Toomey, 2005).
People from different backgrounds hold varied and even contrasting beliefs and values that can lead to conversations where one has to negotiate with themselves and their own beliefs and values to communicate further.
The concept of communicative resourcefulness is used to explain this theory further. The better the communicative resourcefulness in a conversation or social setup up the better the person can achieve their interaction goals by using their cognitive abilities. Resourcefulness means how well a person can adapt to a situation, in this case, through communication.
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Passive Communication and Negotiation
Coming to passive communication and how it is a part of the identity negotiation theory. Passive communication refers to when a person avoids saying or expressing what they really feel or want to say. This can lead to anxiety, social awkwardness and more. Often reflected in the body language (Cuncic, A., MA, 2022). This can happen due to various socio-economic and interpersonal differences. Often, a person might mask their real thoughts and ideas and use other identities to fit into the conversation or the social group and interaction. This is when a person negotiates their identity to basically suffice that interaction goal.
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Social Media and Its Impact on Identity
With the increasing attachment to and growth of social media platforms, it is fair to say that we are vulnerable to comparisons, new opinions, and perspectives that are contrasting with our beliefs and more. Here is where our identity is challenged the most. Two main concepts relating to this are the looking glass self theory and the social comparison theory.
The looking glass self theory was introduced by Charles Cooley. It basically means that one’s self-image, identity are heavily dependent on how others view and perceive them (Simply Psychology, 2023b). The way others react to what we say, think, believe, and even communicate can result in how we perceive our own identity. If one wants to fit in or stand out, they may negotiate with their identity and mould it to form another identity that fits better. For example, on social media, at workplaces, schools, at home, with friends and others. There can be several versions of the same you, i.e. different identities that one keeps negotiating with.
The next one is the social comparison theory by Leon Festinger. It explores how individuals judge their worth by literally comparing themselves to others. One might use different parts of their identity to in some way feel like they are similar or just as good as the other Emerson to avoid feeling like their own identity is lacking something (MSEd, 2024d).
Read More: The Psychology of Self-worth
Conclusion
As humans, we crave validation and want to feel included and heard. We negotiate with our identity and thoughts to be able to feel a sense of belonging. By understanding the identity negotiation theory, we get to understand why we do so and how it results in achieving our goals in social interactions and the world at large.
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FAQs
1. How does identity negotiation affect mental health?
Increased feelings of being left out or not understood can cause anxiety and stress, often leading to greater identity clashes within ourselves.
2. What techniques can help in Identity Negotiation?
Two of them are Mindfulness techniques and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
References +
APA PsycNet. (n.d.-d). https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2008-11667-017
Ting-Toomey, S. (2005). Identity negotiation theory: Crossing cultural boundaries. In W.B. Gudykunst (Ed.), Theorising about intercultural communication (pp. 211-233). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Cuncic, A., MA. (2022, August 8). Passive communication and social anxiety. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-passive-communication-3024630
Brown, S. L., MA. (2012, July 17). Never trouble another for what you can do yourself. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pathological-relationships/201207/i-got-this
Simply Psychology. (2023b, September 22). Looking-Glass Self: Theory, Definition & Examples. https://www.simplypsychology.org/charles-cooleys-looking-glass-self.html
MSEd, K. C. (2024d, May 21). How social comparison theory influences our views on ourselves. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-social-comparison-process-2795872
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