Identity and Freedom: Psychological Explanation of the Mechanisms of Self-Determination

Henryk JAROSIEWICZ

Zakład Psychologii Zarządzania, Instytut Psychologii, Wydział Nauk Historycznych i Pedagogicznych, Uniwersytet Wrocławski, ul. Dawida 1, 50-527 Wrocław, Poland , Poland

Jagoda STOMPÓR-ŚWIDERSKA

Katedra Psychologii, Wydział Filozoficzny, Uniwersytet Papieski Jana Pawła II, ul. Bernardyńska 3, 31-069 Kraków, Poland , Poland

Abstract

The aim of the article is to explain the phenomenon of identity, i.e., to determine the foundation of the unity and temporal stability of the self. The theoretical part of the paper presents a model of a personal subject. The model comprises four qualitatively different kinds of mental products. A lived experience of efficacy is reflected in the image of the person, i.e., of the self, included in the individual’s image of reality. The experience of reflecting is accompanied by the sense of both the continuity of the self in time (identity) and the unity of the self. Although the human will is affected by numerous motives, its acts, being free actions of the person, are expressions of self-determination. To justify the claim that identity plays a fundamental role in the individual’s life and professional development, the authors, in the empirical part of the article, present results of their research on secondary school children. The formation of a mature self-image is a psychological process specific to adolescence. This period is also characterized by the emergence of identity issues due to discrepancies between a self-image formed in childhood and self-images of mature men and women pursuing their life vocations and professional careers.

Keywords:

identity, self-determination, freedom, career, problems of adolescence