The ego virtue of fidelity as a psychosocial rite of passage in the transition from adolescence to adulthood

Abstract

In traditional societies, rites of passage are frequently utilized to signify life transitions. In contemporary society, there is a marked absence of ceremonial rites of passage for the transition from adolescence to adulthood. In this article we argue that developmental theory offers a contemporary understanding of rites of passage. Anthropological writings on rites of passage and developmental theories share in common notions of separation, transition, and incorporation. Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stages and corresponding ego virtues or strengths are argued to represent alternate conceptions of rites of passage as applicable to contemporary society. In particular, the ego strength of fidelity is regarded as evidence that the individual has successfully negotiated the transitional phase of adolescence and has experienced a positive resolution to the identity crisis. Research findings on the connection between identity and fidelity are discussed. Applied implications regarding the notion of fidelity as a rite of passage are discussed in terms of interventions for troubled young people who are facing difficulties in becoming incorporated into society.