The Importance of a Child's Social Identity

Childhood is an important period of social development, particularly in the formation of social identity or a child's sense of who they are based upon group affiliations. Why is identity important?

For some children, the way they feel about themselves and their social identities may increase their vulnerability to depression. Depression is a complex condition influenced by a range of factors, but there is evidence that social factors can play a critical role.

What Is Social Identity?

Every child has a social identity. This is how they perceive their roles in society in relation to others. Whether through social position, culture or ethnicity, interests, achievements, or beliefs, social identity groups can give children a sense of self-worth and pride, also impacting their self-esteem.

People around us confirm or deny our social identity. If a child is very shy and withdrawn, for example, it is likely that other children will pick up on that child's social cues and leave them alone, thus confirming the child's social identity as "shy and withdrawn."

Societal confirmation of a child's identity can impact the way they feel about themselves. In the example above, the child may lack satisfaction in their social role, feel lonely, or become frustrated trying to break free from a shy and withdrawn identity.

Why Identity Is Important for Children

Social identification is important because it influences how people see themselves and how they interact with others. If people have a positive view of their identity within a group, they are more likely to relate well to others in that group and feel positive emotions about themselves.

Researchers suggest that other important benefits of social identity include: 

• It helps foster prosocial behaviors, like caring for others receiving social support
• It helps satisfy the psychological need for esteem from others
• It provides people with a sense of belonging within a social group

The more people identify with a particular group, the more that group plays a role in shaping how people feel about themselves. Being a member of that group becomes important for how a person regards themselves and their abilities, so gaining status within the group can help people feel more confident, satisfied, and respected.

Connection Between Social Identity and Depression

When people are depressed, they tend to experience social withdrawal. Studies have found that social factors can also be important causes of depression. For example, research has shown that periods of loneliness are predictive of the onset of depression.

But not all children who experience changes or threats to their social identities will experience depression. Instead, it is thought that those who identify with a limited number of social roles are more at risk of developing depression when a role is lost or threatened.

For example, a child who only sees themselves as a star soccer player may experience discomfort and a sense of loss if they suddenly become injured and are unable to play anymore. The child may lose their status as a star athlete, spend less time with their teammates and friends, and ultimately see a decrease in their self-esteem, opening the door for depression.

This is not to say that a child cannot develop a new social identity. It simply highlights the importance of how a child views themselves in relation to the world around them.

How to Support a Child's Identity

Parents and caregivers can support their children's social roles by acknowledging what and who is important to them. Try not to place too much emphasis on any one single social role.

Instead, encourage the child to try new and different things. Also, remind them of the many important roles they play in life, like that of child, grandchild, sibling, cousin, student, community member, teen advocate, neighbor, etc.

It is typical for a child to feel sad after a disappointment or the loss of a significant relationship. But if that child is showing symptoms of depression, seek advice from their pediatrician or a mental health provider.

Signs to Watch Out For

Some signs that a child may be having social problems or experiencing depression include:

• Losing interest in activities they once loved
• Sleeping more or less than normal
• Having trouble concentrating on schoolwork
• Eating more or less than normal
• Expressing feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Being more irritable than usual
• Becoming isolated from friends or family