Achievement goal orientations and identity formation styles

The present article points to shared underlying theoretical assumptions and central processes of a prominent academic motivation perspective - achievement goal theory - and recent process perspectives in the identity formation literature, and more specifically, identity formation styles. The review highlights the shared definition of achievement goal orientations and identity formation styles as mental frames that guide interpretation of situations, define standards for action, and direct coping with challenges. Despite differences in unit-of-analysis and general focus, both perspectives emphasize the qualitative differences between mental frames that are oriented towards self-development and those that are oriented towards self-worth validation and enhancement. Also, recent theorizing in both perspectives highlights the role of contexts and situations in adolescents' adoption of certain achievement goal orientations and identity formation styles. The article concludes with research questions concerning the potential reciprocal relations between adolescents' academic achievement goal orientations and identity formation styles. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.