Stages and Transitions of Relational Identity Formation in Intercultural Friendship: Implications for Identity Management Theory

Abstract

Abstract Abstract In light of identity management theory (IMT), this research seeks to uncover the stages and transitions that explain the process of relational identity formation within intercultural friendships. Three stages (i.e., initial encounter, interaction, and involvement) and two transition phases emerged within the intercultural friendships of this research. This study concludes that while IMT contributes to our understanding of the process of intercultural relationship formation, it overlooks how intercultural relationships transition from one stage to another and the influences of networks and a third cultural context. Keywords: Intercultural FriendshipIdentity Management TheoryFriendship FormationRelational IdentityFriendship Phases and Transitions Acknowledgements This research was partly supported by a 2006–2007 Professional Development Grant administered by the Educational Development Initiative Team (EDIT) of LaGuardia Community College. The author wishes to send her gratitude to Dr. Claudia Hale at Ohio University and the reviewers for their precious comments on the final drafts of this paper. Additional informationNotes on contributorsPei-Wen LeePei-Wen Lee (Ph.D., Ohio University, 2004) is an Associate Professor in the Humanities Department of LaGuardia Community College, CUNY