identification (redirected from identify)

identification /iden·ti·fi·ca·tion/ (i-den″tĭ-fĭ-ka´shun) a largely unconscious process, sometimes a defense mechanism, by which one person patterns himself after another.

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i·den·ti·fi·ca·tion (-dnt-f-kshn)

n.

1. A person's association with the qualities, characteristics, or views of another person or group.

2. An unconscious process by which a person transfers the response appropriate to a particular person or group to a different person or group.

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identification

[īden′tifikā′shən]

Etymology: L, idem, the same, facere, to make

an unconscious defense mechanism by which a person patterns his or her personality on that of another person, assuming the person's qualities, characteristics, and actions. The process is a normal function of personality development and learning, specifically of the superego, and it contributes to the acquisition of interests and ideals. Identification first occurs in early childhood when 3- to 5-year-olds identify with parental same-sex figures. It resurges in adolescence as a major task of identifying with peers.

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identification

a description of an animal sufficient to distinguish it from others. The means of identification include a written description, earmark, paint brand or paper or fabric applied by special adhesive, freeze branding and fire branding (see brand), tattooing, neckbands, ankle bands, ear tagging, tail tagging and tail painting, and electronic identification systems including activated responders or transponders carried on the animal, often subcutaneously.

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patient identification

an adequate identification includes species and breed, sex, color and markings, brands and other distinguishing marks or attachments, whether horned or polled where appropriate, age, name or number used by the owner, and name and address of the owner or custodian.

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identification

Psychiatry An unconscious defense mechanism by which a person assimilates or copies another's activities, behavior, and reactions, a process that plays a major role personality and superego development. Cf Complementation, De-identification, Gender identity/role. Cf Imitation/role modeling.