This page highlights the traditional student affairs theories used to examine student identity development from a racial, ethnic, sexuality and gender standpoint. For additional information on the theories listed below, please select the theory.
Brent Bilodeau’s Frame of Transgender Identity Development
Brent Bilodeau’s Frame of Transgender Identity Development Previous cohorts of FSU students have developed these printable summaries and used them to prepare for test and papers. We hope they'll be of help to you too. Stages, Levels, Phases, and Components of the...
read moreRenn’s Ecological Theory of Mixed Race Identity Development
Renn's Ecological Theory of Mixed Race Identity Development Renn's ecological theory of mixed race identity development highlights both ecological factors that influence multiracial identity development and the multiple labels individuals with mixed heritages use to...
read moreFerdman and Gallego’s Model of Latino Identity Development
Ferdman and Gallego’s Model of Latino Identity Development This theory "focuses on the ways Latinos come to think about themselves in a diverse and ever-changing society against the backdrop of a wide range of historical and cultural influences." Previous cohorts of...
read moreFassinger’s Model of Gay and Lesbian Identity Development
Fassinger’s Model of Gay and Lesbian Identity Development Fassinger's model of gay and lesbian identity development is a model designed to explore gay and lesbian identity development and examine cultural and contextual influences. In 1996, Dr. Ruth E. Fassinger...
read moreWorthington et al. Heterosexual Identity Development Theory
Worthington et al. Heterosexual Identity Development Theory Worthington et al. Heterosexual Identity Development Theory has defined heterosexuality identity development as “the individual and social processes by which heterosexually identified persons acknowledge and...
read moreBem’s Sex Role Types Theory
Bem’s Sex Role Types Bem’s theory refers to the theory that children learn about what it means to be male and female from the culture in which they live. According to this theory, children adjust their behavior to fit in with the gender norms and expectations of...
read moreEvans et al.’s Transgender Identity Development
Transgender Identity Development (Evans et al., 2010) Previous cohorts of FSU students have developed these printable summaries and used them to prepare for test and papers. We hope they'll be of help to you too. Stages, Levels, Phases, and Components of the Theory:...
read moreBreton, Isajiw, Kalbach & Reitz’s Components of Ethnic Identity
Breton, Isajiw, Kalbach & Reitz's Components of Ethnic Identity Previous cohorts of FSU students have developed these printable summaries and used them to prepare for test and papers. We hope they'll be of help to you too. Stages, Levels, Phases, and Components of...
read moreTorres’ Model of Hispanic Identity Development
Torres’ Model of Hispanic Identity Development Previous cohorts of FSU students have developed these printable summaries and used them to prepare for test and papers. We hope they'll be of help to you too. Stages, Levels, Phases, and Components of the Theory: Model...
read moreJosselson’s Theory of Identity Development
Josselson's Theory of Identity Development Ruthellen Josselson’s Identity Theory explores why some women encounter a crisis, and whether or not they integrate that into their identity. This theory takes James Marcia’s four identity groups and applies them to women....
read moreErikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development
Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development Previous cohorts of FSU students have developed these printable summaries and used them to prepare for test and papers. We hope they'll be of help to you too. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infants, 0 to 1 year) The first stage of...
read moreBerry’s Process of Acculturation Model
Berry's Process of Acculturation Model Previous cohorts of FSU students have developed these printable summaries and used them to prepare for test and papers. We hope they'll be of help to you too. Stages, Levels, Phases, and Components of the Theory: Four phases...
read morePhinney’s Model of Ethnic Identity Development
Phinney’s Model of Ethnic Identity Development Jean S. Phinney developed a three stage model of ethnic identity development (1992) based on research with minority adolescents combined with other ego identity and ethnic identity models, especially the works of Marcia...
read moreAtkinson, Morten and Sue’s Racial and Cultural Identity Development
Atkinson, Morten and Sue’s Racial and Cultural Identity Development Atkinson, Morten, and Sue’s model served to be the primary model of all of the racial identity theories. The model conceptualizes the basic progressions an individual goes through when defining his or...
read moreDillion’s Model of Sexual Identity Development
Dillion’s Model of Sexual Identity Development Dillon et al's synthesis model is based on Fassinger’s parallel model & Macia’s ego identity model and describes determinations and status of sexual identity development. Dr. Frank Dillon is a graduate of the University...
read moreWorthington et al. Heterosexual Identity Development Theory
Worthington et al. Heterosexual Identity Development Theory Defined heterosexuality identity development as “the individual and social processes by which heterosexualy identified persons acknowledge and define their sexual needs, values sexual expression, and...
read moreCass’s Model of Sexual Orientation Formation
Cass’s Model of Sexual Orientation Formation Cass's model is known by many as the first model to treat gay people as "normal" in hetero-sexist society. It is important to note that these stages can be revisited at different stages in life. Vivienne Cass developed...
read moreHorse’s Perspective on American Indian Identity Development
Horse’s Perspective on American Indian Identity Development Perry Horse’s Perspective on American Indian Identity Development is grounded in the a term he coined based on individual and group consciousness. This term explains the unique and collective experiences of...
read moreRowe, Bennett, and Atkinson White Racial Consciousness Model
Rowe, Bennett, and Atkinson’s White Racial Consciousness Model Wayne Rowe, Sandra Bennett, and Donald Atkinson introduced the White racial consciousness model in 1994. This theory offers a model to speak to the role White plays into the relationships with themselves...
read moreHelm’s Model of White Identity Development
Helm’s Model of White Identity Development This theory assumes all individuals who identify as White begin with views of racism. Additionally, student affairs professionals will most likely interact with students in stage 3 & 4. Previous cohorts of FSU students have...
read moreKim’s Asian American Identify Development Model
Kim’s Asian American Identify Development Model Jean Kim's Asian American Identity Development Model emphasizes racial identity to showcase the "social and psychological consequences" of being racially minoritized in the United States. The purpose of this theory was...
read moreChickering’s Theory of Identity Development
Chickering’s Theory of Identity Development Arthur Chickering's Seven Vectors theorize the "tasks" that students must go through while developing their identity. Previous cohorts of FSU students have developed these printable summaries and used them to prepare for...
read moreD’Augelli’s Theory of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Development
D’Augelli’s Model of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Development This model introduced a lifespan sexual identity development in social environment. Three core concepts interact within the theory: A) Personal/Subjective Actions; B) Interactive Intimacies; C)...
read moreCross and Fhagen-Smith’s Model of Black Identity Development
Cross and Fhagen-Smith’s Model of Black Identity Development Cross (1971) adopted the idea of nigrescence, the process of becoming black, as the foundation for the later sector model develops with Fhagen-Smith. The model looks at the progression of...
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