Abstract
Work on eudaimonic identity theory began with two questions central to understanding how individuals form a sense of personal identity during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. First, are some of the identity options available to a person better than others that are equally available? Secondly, given the variety of identity-related alternative goals, values, and beliefs available, how can the better choices be recognized? This chapter discusses eudaimonic identity theory and associated research exploring the ways in which the daimon serves as a basis for establishing personal goals, values, and beliefs. The authors begin by discussing eudaimonic identity theory, including the following subtopics: metaphors of identity formation; the daimon (true self) as a philosophical and psychological construct; eudaimonia, feelings of personal expressiveness, and recognition of one's daimon; eudaimonia and hedonia as two conceptions of happiness; the development of eudaimonic identity choices; and eudaimonic activities and eudaimonic well-being. They then present a program of research based on eudaimonic identity theory, including operational definitions of eudaimonic functioning and research findings on eudaimonic functioning at the level of activities and at the level of the person. Finally, implications of eudaimonic identity theory for parenting, education, and therapy are briefly discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)