• Royal Prakash Nazareth
• Janet Parameshwara

The construction of individual identity is essential, particularly during emerging adulthood. This paper investigated the influence of gender and habitat on identity formation in emerging adults from rural and urban settings. The research involved 402 emerging adults from varied linguistic backgrounds in India, aged 18–25 who filled out a demographic information form and the Modified Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (MEPSI). The data was analysed for Mean, Standard Deviation and t-test. The results were in line with recent studies indicating that gender equality may have diminished gender-based distinctions in identity development, reinforcing the assertion that gender does not predominantly influence identity formation. Emerging adult males and females face analogous challenges, including transitions in education, career search, and the development of interpersonal relationships. Conversely, habitat influenced identity. Rural individuals had higher identity formation scores compared to urban participants. Rural areas provide robust social frameworks, cohesive community bonds, conventional norms, and clear role expectations, elucidating this discrepancy. These factors assist rural emerging adults in constructing a robust identity. Additional research could pay attention to the changing factors in habitation like migration, along with various psychological factors influencing identity. The study emphasizes the need of comprehending the social elements that influence identity formation in developing individuals.

Self, identity formation, emerging adulthood.

"SHAPING THE SELF THROUGH IDENTITY FORMATION AMONG EMERGING ADULTS; ANALYZING GENDER AND HABITAT DIFFERENCES", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 2, page no.g689-g697, February-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2502685.pdf

"SHAPING THE SELF THROUGH IDENTITY FORMATION AMONG EMERGING ADULTS; ANALYZING GENDER AND HABITAT DIFFERENCES", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 2, page no. ppg689-g697, February-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2502685.pdf