Identity complexity as an indicator of health

Although clinicians need to be able to rely on a conception of psychological health, it has been extraordinarily difficult to define health satisfactorily, especially from an adaptational perspective. This paper proposes viewing mental health as a highly developed capacity to create meaning with the content of the sense of self being highly differentiated, articulated and integrated. Examples of how this concept of identity complexity fits with clinical social work practice are provided.This paper was presented at the 20th Anniversary conference of the National Federation of Societies of Clinical Social Work, Chicago, IL, September 28, 1991. The author wishes to thank Sheila Healy for permission to utilize case material.