Identity
The self
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What does it take for someone to become a ‘different person’?
What does it really mean when you say of an individual that they are so transformed as to be a ‘different person’?
by John Schwenkler
Sex and sexuality
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Human bodies change through life. So does our sexuality
Sexual identity is more than sexual orientation. It develops and changes as our bodies develop and change through our lives
by Jana Byars
Identity
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I rebuilt my self-esteem by changing the story of who I am
I once clung to a dubious family legend to help me cope with a difficult childhood. I’ve since found a better story to tell
by Patricia Olsen
Sex and sexuality
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The new genomics of sexuality moves us beyond ‘born this way’
The new genomics of sexuality reflects a social and political reality that has moved beyond ‘born this way’ and the ‘gay gene’
by Joanna Wuest
Identity
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Why Spanish colonial officials feared the power of clothing
Colonial society depends on a clear distinction between the rulers and the ruled. Clothing could create problems
by Rebecca Earle
Psychosis and schizophrenia
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People with psychosis can heal by rebuilding their life stories
The narrative identities of people with schizophrenia reveal its profound disruption – but also the potential for growth
by Henry R Cowan
Mental health
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How a feeling that you belong could protect your mental health
Research on young adults at a time of social transition highlights the significance of feeling that you belong to a group
by Janine M Dutcher & Amber Quinn
Cultural diversity
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Cultural differences are far more nuanced than East vs West
It’s simply not the case that ‘Eastern’ cultures are relationally-minded, while ‘Western’ societies are individualistic
by Matt Huston
Place
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The divided self: does where I live make me who I am?
At home in Delhi, I am a more social, interactive person. A quiet balcony in Frankfurt gave me space to be by myself
by Anandi Mishra
Race and ethnicity
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Fitting in is human: forcing someone to fit in is oppression
We’re all cultural code-switchers, altering how we present ourselves to fit into the world. For some, it’s a losing game
by Arianna Falbo
Identity
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Stanislavski’s revelation: we’re more than the parts we play
Stanislavski taught that performance – on stage as in life – is created by analysing a character’s feelings and objectives
by William Justice Bruehl
Identity
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Affirming transgender people’s identities is more than politeness
Trans people bear a heavy burden of stigma. Affirming their chosen identity helps to build their psychological resilience
by David Matthew Doyle