Positive and

Negative poles
of identity
PROF. MELISSA REMEDIOS
Identity and social structure:
• Social structure is often treated together with the concept of social change,
which deals with the forces that change the social structure and the organization
of society.
• Social structure is conceived as positions (roles and group memberships) to
which identities are tied, or as the human organization of resource flows and
transfers that are controlled by the identity verification process, identities and
social structure are two sides of the same coin.
• A social identity based on membership in a group or category gives one self-
meanings that are shared with others in the group (Stets and Burke 2000).
• One is tied to many similar others; in verifying the self as a group member, one
receives recognition, approval, and acceptance from those others. One’s ties to
the others are like their ties among themselves
Defining Identity
• Identity is the qualities, beliefs, personality, looks and/or expressions that
make a person (self-identity as emphasized in psychology) or group
(collective identity as pre-eminent in sociology). One can regard the
categorizing of identity as positive or as destructive.
• "A person's identity is defined as the totality of one's self-construal, in
which how one construes oneself in the present expresses the continuity
between how one construes oneself as one was in the past and how one
construes oneself as one aspires to be in the future"; this allows for
definitions of aspects of identity, such as: "One's ethnic identity is defined
as that part of the totality of one's self-construal made up of those
dimensions that express the continuity between one's construal of past
ancestry and one's future aspirations in relation to ethnicity.
Understanding the effects of identity
• Identities are the traits and characteristics, social relations, roles, and social
group memberships that define who one is. Identities can be focused on the
past-what used to be true of one, the present-what is true of one now, or the
future-the person one expects or wishes to become, the person one feels
obligated to try to become, or the person one fears one may become.
Identities are orienting, they provide a meaning-making lens and focus one's
attention on some but not other features of the immediate context.
• People's personal identity can be shaped in many different ways. Three
factors that are important in shaping one's personal identity include,nationality,
race, ethnicity, religion Socio economic status but it is not limited to, their
culture, their memories, and their societal labels. Memories impact
our identity by teaching us how to interact with the world around us.
Positive identity
• Positive Identity: sense of purpose, positive. view of personal future, self-esteem and personal power.
• Positive thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images that are
conducive to growth, expansion and success.
• It is a mental attitude that expects good and favorable results.
• A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action.

• Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve ones health.
• Your sense of yourself as a unique individual ,Identity is similar to a puzzle, putting together a picture of
you and your life. 
• The pieces of this puzzle include: Your goals,Your values and beliefs,Your talents and abilities,Your
interests  Your likes and dislikes,Your ethnicity.
• DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS “Building blocks to develop you into healthy, caring and responsible
individuals.” 
• There are 8 assets total of positive identity they are as follows-Support: family support,Empowerment:
feeling valued by adults in the community,Boundaries & Expectations: family/school boundaries (clear
rules and expectations), positive peer influences, adult role models, etc.
• Constructive Use of Time: sports, activities, youth programs, etc.
The causes and effects of positive identity
• The Me factor of positive identity- Identity is a core construct in sociological understanding because it refers to how a
person addresses issues dealing with who that person is.

• Adolescents who can cultivate a clear and positive identity after their developmental struggles during adolescence often
advance more smoothly into adulthood.

• The nature and structure of identity and examines its importance on adolescent developmental outcomes. It traces
significant determinants of identity and proposes strategies for cultivation of positive identity.

• Identity formation also involves dynamic processes as identity evolves along with persons development throughout their
life span. Identity is amenable to extra-personal influences like environmental changes and life experiences as well as
intrapersonal identity processes, including exploration, commitment, and reconsideration. There is also evidence that
gender, age, and culture patterns at different times affect the development of identity.

• Recognize Strengths and Weaknesses - Demonstrate Positive Values ,Develop a Purpose in Your Life  Form
Meaningful Relationships ,Contribute to the Community,Avoid Unhealthful Risk Behaviors.

• Individuals who have a increased self-esteem typically have a higher level of mental and emotional health.

• How a person feels mentally and physically will affect how they feel about themselves. 

• It is proven that individuals who have a positive outlook on life tend to live longer and healthier (mentally and physically).


• See challenges as a way to grow and learn  “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”-Henry Ford
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
• Nonhostile comments that point out problems and encouragement
improvement
• POSITIVE THINKING- Individuals may fall into always thinking bad
things will happen to them or their family.
• Example: A student has failed a test. The student may feel like they are
unintelligent or a failure. Realistically, the student was probably just
unprepared. Constructive criticism can help you improve your areas
that you may lack and raise your self-esteem
• “I can do this attitude and mindset.
Negative identity
• Negative identity is an identity that is formed by identifying with roles
opposed to societal expectations. This topic has been neglected in prior
research, which only focused more consistently on positive identity.
• The concept of negative identity highlights the importance of sociocultural
contexts that restrict positive identity development, especially for
marginalized youth.
• Negative identity formation and is often associated with delinquent
behaviour.
• Resolution of the adolescent identity crisis has a profound influence on
development during later adulthood.
The causes and effects of negative identity
• The Not-Me self-disidentification is to rid of identity or characteristic qualities
also to dissociate.
• Causes of negative identity-Negative Environment,Unfair or Unnecessary
Comparison,Lack of self awareness,Negative Self talk  Unrealistic
Expectations.
• Effects of negative identity-
• Eliminating negativity-Take Inventory: Make a list of all your strengths and
Weaknesses.
• Set Goals-Associate with people of High Moral Character.
• Accept Responsibility.Give yourself Positive Auto-suggestions
Theoretical effects of identity
• Role identity theory suggests that the greater the commitment to an identity, the
higher that identity is placed within that individual's salience hierarchy. As a result of
achieving high placement within the salience hierarchy, an individual relies on
an identity more often than less important ones.

• Identity theory has developed into an important theoretical framework within

• There are substantive issues that have advanced in identity theory such as multiple
identities and the role of emotions in the identity process, as well as the way in which
the theory has been applied to other sociological areas of investigation such as
violence research and the sociology of education.

• The study of identity formation and change is the way we look to how identity theory
can be advanced by linking it to other social psychological theories such as affect
control theory, expectations states theory, and social identity theory.
The comparison effects of identity
• Social comparison is a pervasive and fundamental feature of group life.
People compare themselves with fellow group members, they compare
themselves with people in other groups, and they compare their own group
with other groups. From these comparisons emerge group norms, group
structure, and intergroup relations, which in turn provide the framework for
group-based social comparisons,
• Developing Self confidence relates to self-assuredness in one’s personal
judgment, ability ,power etc. Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your
abilities. Famous Quote on Self Confidence by Raj Persaud “Promise yourself,
no matter how difficult the problem life throws at you, that you will try as hard
as you can to help yourself. You acknowledge that sometimes your efforts to
help yourself may not result in success, as often being properly rewarded is
not in your control”.
Self image and self esteem in identity
formations
• Self-image is how you view yourself, your characteristics and abilities.
• It is the value you place on yourself and how worthy you feel
• Self-image is influenced by your self-esteem and your body image.
• Factors affecting self image Peers  Friends  Mentors  Parents 
Teachers  Media  Television  Movies  Magazines  Successes
 Failures.
• SELF-IMAGE: The way we see ourselves
• SELF-ESTEEM: The way we feel about ourselves
• SELF CONFIDENCE: Belief about our ability to do something
Video
• https://youtu.be/6ooN17dykPo
• https://youtu.be/QUiK7bSqkqo
Conclusion
• Avoid self-pity, or the pity and sympathy of others. Never allow others to make you feel
inferior-- they can only do so if you let them. If you continue to loathe and belittle
yourself, others are going to do and believe likewise.  Instead, speak positively about
yourself, about your future, and about your progress.
• Perfectionism paralyzes you and keeps you from accomplishing your goals.
• Competence for the Need to Feel Loved & Accepted:
• A sense of Belonging
• Need to Feel Valued & Acceptable:
• A sense of Worthiness
• Need to Feel Adequate:
• A sense of Competence
Concluding quotes
• “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because
your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely
what others think you are.” ― John Wooden
• The 'self-image' is the key to human personality and human behavior.
Change the self image and you change the personality and the
behaviour.
• “As long as you look for someone else to validate who you are by
seeking their approval, you are setting yourself up for disaster. You
have to be whole and complete in yourself. No one can give you that.
You have to know who you are - what others say is irrelevant.” Nic
Sheff
THANK YOU!