IDEaS is an interdisciplinary research hub housed in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of the Humanities, at the University of the Free State in central South Africa.

At IDEaS, we bring together scholars, students, and collaborators from diverse fields to explore the rich and complex processes of identity development across the lifespan. We view identity not as a fixed state, but as an evolving journey shaped by personal experiences, social relationships, cultural contexts, and historical change.

Our research highlights the different pathways people follow as they strive to find belonging, meaning, and purpose in their lives. We focus on pressing questions about how individuals and communities navigate identity in times of transition and transformation—whether in relation to self and society, education and career, or culture and globalisation.

Through this work, IDEaS serves as a knowledge hub that promotes critical reflection, interdisciplinary dialogue, and innovative scholarship. Our projects include explorations of:

• Transformational journeys of self and society, including resilience, healing, and renewal.

• Challenges of integration, as individuals negotiate multiple roles and identities in changing contexts.

• Youth identity and emerging adulthood, with attention to opportunities and vulnerabilities.

• Identity, well-being, and belonging, exploring how identity relates to mental health and social connection.

• Cultural and contextual perspectives, emphasising identity research in Africa and the Global South, while engaging in global conversations.

IDEaS not only advances cutting-edge research but also builds bridges between academia and society—contributing insights that matter for education, policy, and everyday life.