**6. Identity/self states/transformation**

Transformation is an under-appreciated innate psychological capacity that provides an ability to update and generate a coherent sense of self throughout the passage of life [17]. To continuously mold and transform a dynamic identity and sense of self through childhood, young adulthood, marriage, parenthood, end-of-life decline and other contingencies of life is a complex process that requires a perpetual and often radical reorganization of identifications *without loss of access to earlier, foundational core self states* that define and direct subsequent experience and growth. Indeed, it is typical that during transitional life periods, individuals endure tremendous mental stress fueled by circumstances that necessitate adaptive shifts in core identity, sometimes hormonally mediated. During these windows, a heightened susceptibility toward mental illness is noted, e.g., puberty, leaving the rearing environment, marriage, post-postpartum, end-of-life [18].
