<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (December 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> There is an abundant amount of influences on identity formation . Some of which have already been touched on in other sections of this article . Among the many influences, four influences stand out to be especially important . Those include: cognitive influences, scholastic influences, sociocultural influences and parenting influences . </P> <P> Cognitive development influences identity formation . When adolescents are able to think abstractly and reason logically they have an easier time exploring and contemplating possible identities . When an adolescent has advanced cognitive development and maturity they tend to resolve identity issues more so than age mates that are less cognitively developed . When identity issues are solved quicker and better, there is more time and effort put into developing that identity . Having a solid identity earlier is a preferred situation and is one of the first steps in forming the desired life and goals of the individual . </P> <P> Adolescents that have a post-secondary education tend to make more concrete goals and stable occupational commitments . So going to college or university can influence identity formation in a productive way . Of course, the opposite can also be true, where identity influences education and academics . The two can influence each other, ultimately forming identity in the process . Education's effect on identity can be beneficial for the individual's identity; the individual will be getting educated on different approaches and paths to take in the process of identity formation . Ultimately scholastics are important for our brains as well as our identities . </P>

What is the term for a person's identity or set of beliefs