The identity change process: A field study of obesity

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to fill a void within the interactionist literature by presenting an inductively generated model of the “identity change process.” This model treats the change process from a career focus, and thus addresses both the internal (cognitive), and the external (public) features of the identity change process. The adoption of a new status is seen to occur through two sequential internal or cognitive processes. The first is “recognizing,” wherein the individual must come to recognize that the current status is inappropriate. The second is “placing,” wherein the individual must locate a new, more appropriate status. These cognitive processes are triggered by, and mediated through status cues, which exist in the external environment. In response to status cues, the individual comes to recognize that the initial status is inappropriate and, then locates a new, more appropriate status. These cues can be either active or passive. Active cues are transmitted through interaction, while passive ...