This research examines two mechanisms by which persons' identities change over time. First, on the basis of identity control theory (ICT), I hypothesize that while identities influence the way in which a role is played out, discrepancies between the meanings of the identity standard and the meanings of the role performance will result in change. That is, due to the hierarchical structure of identity systems, change will occur not only to the role performance (to counteract the discrepancy),