Identity: A Brief Critique of a Cybernetic Model

A cybernetic model of identity has been proposed by Kerpelman, Pittman, and Lamke (1997) and critiqued by Berzonsky (1997) and Grotevant (1997). This commentary recognizes some of the importantfeatures of the theory and its critics and goes beyond to question what kind of person is being depicted in the Kerpelman et al. article. Some potential shortcomings of identity control system theory are noted. However, the theory has very compelling and potentially useful theoretical dimensions. It is concluded that the theory should be taken seriously and that some logical limitations be reconsidered to enhance its usefulness and logical consistency.