Development of Identity

Identity can be defined as the characteristics that make a person unique. Identity is developed over a lifetime as a result of the influences of upbringing and life experiences. The combination of these two factors creates unique patterns of behavior and personality traits. In my own life I am who I am because of the people I grew up with and my perception of the events that happened in my life.

The most influential people in a child’s life are his parents they contribute much of what becomes the child’s outlook and perception of the world. A child generally forms opinions on ethics and conflict resolution based on what he learns from home. A child also is influenced by his parents in regards to education--a child who grows up with parents who stress education are more likely to get an advanced degree. I grew up in a working home with parents who valued hard work, education, moral integrity, and independence. My parent’s relationship with one another was basically goo...