Ma`rifat Farhangi Ejtemaei

Elucidating the nature of identity crisis presents a challenging intersection between modern psychology and religious anthropology. Aiming for a critical analysis and the proposal of an integrative model, this study compares two seemingly conflicting paradigms: the psychosocial approach (centered on Erikson’s theory), which views crisis as a developmental opportunity for identity construction, and the Quranic approach, which regards it as a pathological state resulting from the oblivion of Fitrah (innate human nature). The research methodology is descriptive-analytical, utilizing a comparative conceptual analysis design. To this end, key texts from both domains—Erikson’s works and Quranic verses regarding Fitrah and oblivion (Nisyan)—were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Findings indicate that the perceived conflict stems from differences in levels of analysis; the psychosocial model offers a phenomenological description of the identity formation process, whereas the Quranic model provides an existential-metaphysical explanation of the truth of identity. The novelty of this research lies in proposing the "psychological manifestation" hypothesis, positing that "role confusion" in Erikson’s theory can be understood as the psychological and clinical manifestation of the "neglect of Fitrah" in the Quranic perspective. Consequently, the two paradigms are not only non-contradictory but complementary; such that the proper management of the psychological process of identity formation can facilitate an effective foundation for the spiritual journey of rediscovering innate identity.