Self & Identity

The Self & Identity Topic Group brings together researchers who are interested in questions related to the self, identity, self-concept, social identity, belonging, identity development, identity change, and the role of identity in health, wellbeing, and social functioning.

Researchers from different disciplines approach these topics from a variety of perspectives, including clinical psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, health psychology, sociology, educational sciences, and other social and behavioural sciences. By bringing these perspectives together, the group aims to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue and create opportunities for new insights and collaborations.

Meetings are highly interactive and typically revolve around conceptual discussions, ongoing research projects, theoretical perspectives, methodological challenges, or emerging ideas. Topics discussed within the group range from identity development across the lifespan and identity processes in mental health to social identities, belonging, self-esteem, identity conflict, identity transitions, and the role of identity in behaviour and wellbeing.

Participants range from Research Master students and PhD candidates to senior researchers and professors, creating a dynamic environment in which different levels of experience and expertise come together.

The group currently meets approximately four times per year for sessions of 1.5 hours. Over time, the community has grown steadily and increasingly attracts researchers from outside the faculty and international guests. Discussions are characterised by openness, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to engage with different perspectives on the study of self and identity.

Researchers and students with an interest in self and identity are warmly invited to join.