Embedded Identity: The Case of Young High-Achieving Ethiopian Jewish Immigrants in Israel

Abstract

The question of identity (re)construction in the light of a dramatic cultural transition is explored. More specifically, the focus is on the psychological developmental resources of young Ethiopian Jews who immigrated into Israel and were among the first to reach a university level of education. With a dynamic narrative approach, data were derived from an interview that included projective instruments. Analysis revealed developmental patterns in the transformation of pre-transition experience to meet post-transition developmental needs and to maintain continuity. Embedded identity promotes an individual's autonomy and contributes to adaptive functioning.