PERSONAL IDENTITY AS AN INTEGRATIVE MECHANISM OF SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS

Abstract

The article presents a theoretical and conceptual analysis of personal identity as an integrative mechanism of self-consciousness under conditions of contemporary social transformations. The relevance of the issue is substantiated in view of the impact of globalization processes, digitalization, wartime events, and the growing prevalence of identity crises accompanied by decreased psychological well-being and increased difficulties in personal adaptation. Identity is conceptualized as an internal structure that ensures the integrity, continuity, and coherence of the “Self” across time and space, as well as its role in maintaining subjectivity and the capacity for self-regulation. The main scientific approaches to understanding identity are analyzed, including the psychosocial approach, the psychodynamic perspective, self-determination theory, and the narrative approach. It is substantiated that identity functions as a mechanism for integrating personal experience, social roles, motivational structures, and meaning-oriented frameworks. It is demonstrated that the level of identity integration is directly related to psychological resilience, autonomy, and the capacity for responsible decision-making. A multi-level structure of identity is defined, encompassing personal, social, professional, and national dimensions. Their functions in ensuring internal integrity, social inclusion, meaningful developmental orientation, and value-based determination of the individual are characterized. It is proven that the coordinated interaction of these dimensions forms a holistic system of self-consciousness, whereas their disintegration may lead to identity crises and internal conflicts. The findings expand the theoretical understanding of identity as a key integrative mechanism of self-consciousness and outline prospects for further research in the context of psychological support for individuals under conditions of societal crises.