Aesthetic Experience Anchors Ego Identity Formation

Chi-Ying Yu,Po-Ching Wang

doi:10.3390/su10082596

Abstract

The development of a coherent identity status, also referred to as ego identity, is critical during adolescence and early-adulthood. In the long run, an individual’s ego identity status may influence the sustainability of his or her well-being. Researchers have attempted to discover the predictors or factors correlated with one’s identity status. In that search, aesthetic experience, as a unique means of knowing oneself and the world, seemed to be overlooked. Philosophical and psychological discourses have asserted that aesthetic experience stimulated identity discovery and formation; this hypothesis, however, is not supported by strong quantitative evidence. Thus, an empirical study with a quantitative approach was conducted to examine whether those who have frequent aesthetic experiences are more likely to possess a mature ego identity. A sample of 758 valid questionnaires was collected. The results supported the argument that aesthetic experience favors the development of ego identity. In addition, this study revealed that sociodemographic backgrounds such as women, fine arts and design majors, and religious individuals were more likely to have a rich aesthetic life. The results imply that aesthetic experience serves as a crucial aspect that contributes to the wellness of personality development and promotes a healthy and sustainable quality of life.

Highlights

The psychology of sustainability and sustainable development extends its focus from sustainability of environmental and economic dimensions to the personal and collective quality of life [1,2]
Regarding the identity development state, the clustering analysis results revealed that a large proportion of individuals who have frequent aesthetic experiences were at the identity achievement state, whereas only few respondents were at the identity diffusion state
A large proportion of individuals with infrequent aesthetic experiences were at identity diffusion; very few respondents were at the identity achievement state

Summary

Introduction

The psychology of sustainability and sustainable development extends its focus from sustainability of environmental and economic dimensions to the personal and collective quality of life [1,2]. In its micro-dimension, the vertical axis, the sustainability of an individual’s development relies on a capacity for reflection, and an awareness of one’s past, present, and future. Ego identity describes an individual’s capacity for self-verification and its continuity [3,4]. Regarding ego as an intrinsic power that plays a constructive role of the self, Erikson refers ego identity to an increasingly coherent self-cognition under subtle psychodynamics and the joint influences of personal life history, self-belief, perceptions of others, and social values [4]

Objectives

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion