Identity Styles & Human Evolution of Consciousness

     "Spiritual practice is stepping out of the assumed reality of ‘me’ by understanding what the ‘me’ is and withdrawing energy from its perceptual fixations. ... the realization & integration of anatta (is) central.”

     Smith R. "Stepping out of self-deception. The Buddha's liberating teaching of no-self." Shambhala, Boston, 2010.

     There are "three identity styles that differ in the social-cognitive processes employed to deal with identity-relevant questions and concerns.

     ... diffuse-avoidant identity style - ‘‘reluctant to face up to and confront personal problems & decisions’’. ... predict(s) problematic qualities (eg neuroticism), coping & decisional strategies (eg disengagement), and mental health outcomes (eg depression).

     ... normative identity style - ‘‘deal with identity questions and decisional situations by conforming to the prescriptions and expectations of significant others’’. ... associated with high self-esteem & educational purpose, ... associated with the tendency to be conservative, authoritarian, & racist.

     ... informational identity style - ‘‘actively seek out, evaluate, and use self-relevant information’’. ... associated with openness to experience, introspectiveness, self-reflection, & cognitive complexity. ... the only form ... that positively predicts mature adjustment in the form of psychological hardiness, personal growth, & life purpose.” 
       Beaumont SL. Identity styles and wisdom during emerging adulthood: Relationships with mindfulness and savoring. Identity: An International Journal of Theory and Research 2011; 11(2): 155-180.