Identity Disturbance:

Identity disturbance, also called poor self-identity or identity diffusion, is described in DSM-5 as “persistent and marked instability in a person’s sense of self,” resulting in shifting goals, values, aspirations. We might take on personality traits of people around us as we struggle to have/maintain our own identity or feel confused about who we are or what we believe. They may even wonder whether they exist or feel chameleon-like — changing according to circumstance. Also see Mentalizing and Self-Identity. Negative outcomes include:

• Low self-esteem, social anxiety, lack of confidence, constant self-criticism
• Difficulty making decisions, people-pleasing behaviors, feeling directionless
• Increased anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorders (SUD)
• Poor school and work performance
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and other personality disorders
• Complex trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Self-harming behaviors, suicidality