Identity shift with name change for the Nigerian career woman

Abstract

A name is a form of identity and identity plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s behaviour. A shift in identity may impact individuals in relatively unique ways, as individuals are different in their perception of self and as social roles and environmental factors interact in the transition process. For career women, an identity shift may result in mild to severe psychological issues which may determine how they cope and the type of coping mechanisms employed which would ultimately reflect on marital decision-making. The paper therefore reviews identity shift with name change for the Nigerian career woman and its relatedness with marital dissonance and disruption.

Keywords: identity shift, name change, marital conflict, career women, Nigeria