Abstract | Identity development is widely recognized as the most important developmental task during adolescence (Erikson, 1968). This task is made much more difficult in highrisk adolescents as there is more trouble creating stable and coherent identities (Crocetti, Klimstra, Hale, Koot, & Meeus 2013). The proposed case study examined the personal narrative created by six adolescents transitioning out of a residential facility. Through a self-defining memory interview the adolescents described memories that reflected their identities today. This study hoped to create a better understanding of how youth in residential facilities create an identity from memories of the past. Major themes from the interviews were a mixture of positive and negative identity attributes: accomplishment, change/growth, determination, encouragement of others, future/goals, and relationships (particularly based out of fear). |