Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Poster
Presentation #1 Title
The importance of the Appalachian Region on Adolescent Identity Development Through a Place Attachment Theory Lens
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Identity development in adolescence is an important aspect of growth for the maturity of youth. During adolescence, development of identity occurs by youth transitioning from one identity to an identity that is created through their experiences. Identity development is not only an introspective process, but it is also stimulated by social constructs, the environment, and the culture of the adolescent (Erikson, 1968). In this formal paper, place attachment theory, which suggests that an attachment to a place of residence may affect an adolescent’s identity formation (Morgan, 2010), is used as a guide to gain an understanding of how adolescents residing in the Appalachian Region of the United States achieve their identity formation. The Appalachian Region is filled with many strong cultural values, such as self-reliance, pride, and a love of place (Cooke-Jackson & Hansen, 2008). Furthermore, many parts of the region are overwhelmed with higher rates of poverty, lower education rates, and fewer resources (Cooke-Jackson & Hansen, 2008; Lohmann, 1990). This paper theorizes how cultural values and economic factors influence identity formation. A supportive approach regarding the Appalachian Region is used, and an emphasis on the importance that the region plays in identity achievement is the central argument.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
M. Evan Thomas is currently a PhD student in the Human Development, Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Virginia Tech. His research focus includes rural mental health, specifically the Appalachian Region of the United States.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Erika L. Grafsky, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Human Development and a faculty affiliate of Women and Gender Studies, as well as Health Sciences at Virginia Tech. Erika's scholarship is focused on psychosocial health and well-being of sexual and gender minority individuals and their families and affirmative therapy practices.
The importance of the Appalachian Region on Adolescent Identity Development Through a Place Attachment Theory Lens
Identity development in adolescence is an important aspect of growth for the maturity of youth. During adolescence, development of identity occurs by youth transitioning from one identity to an identity that is created through their experiences. Identity development is not only an introspective process, but it is also stimulated by social constructs, the environment, and the culture of the adolescent (Erikson, 1968). In this formal paper, place attachment theory, which suggests that an attachment to a place of residence may affect an adolescent’s identity formation (Morgan, 2010), is used as a guide to gain an understanding of how adolescents residing in the Appalachian Region of the United States achieve their identity formation. The Appalachian Region is filled with many strong cultural values, such as self-reliance, pride, and a love of place (Cooke-Jackson & Hansen, 2008). Furthermore, many parts of the region are overwhelmed with higher rates of poverty, lower education rates, and fewer resources (Cooke-Jackson & Hansen, 2008; Lohmann, 1990). This paper theorizes how cultural values and economic factors influence identity formation. A supportive approach regarding the Appalachian Region is used, and an emphasis on the importance that the region plays in identity achievement is the central argument.
