Identity

Biological Correlates of Identity and the Self

Identity is often defined as how one perceives themselves in terms of their unique experiences, characteristics, preferences, and goals for the future. Although identity theory and research have mostly been located in the sphere of psychosocial development, recent technological and subsequent research advances indicate that how one perceives themselves may also depend on, and have implications for biological development. Thus, biological aspects, such as brain development, as well as biological functions, such as sleep and immune system activity, can also be related to how one develops an identity and how one perceives themselves, including concepts like self-concept, self-efficacy, self-esteem, possible and multiple selves.

This special issue aims to bring together contributions that focus on biological correlates of identity and the self. We welcome submissions of empirical articles that:

a) examine how identity processes and aspects of the self might correlate with biological aspects including but not limited to brain structure and activity, genetic dispositions and epigenetic states, sleep functioning, immune system activity;
b) review and/or meta-analyze research on biological correlates of identity and the self;
c) introduce innovative methodologies for investigating identity integrating biological measures (e.g., neurobiological, psychophysiological, genetic, or sleep-related indicators).

Examples of articles suitable for the special issue include: 

•       Integrating biological indicators–based methods (e.g., neuroimaging, psychophysiological measures, genetics, hormonal assessments, sleep metrics) with identity research
•       Using longitudinal or daily-life biological data to track identity processes over time
•       Evaluating interventions targeting identity development through biological markers
•      Systematic reviews or meta-analyses on biological correlates of identity and the self
•       Mixed-method designs integrating biological measures with identity assessment

These are just examples; we welcome submissions on other relevant topics.