This study explores the complex processes of identity and personality construction among adolescents internally displaced in the Kaya and Barsalogh regions of Burkina Faso, with a comparative analysis between girls and boys. Adolescence, a period of profound physical, psychological, and social transformations, is particularly challenging for individuals experiencing forced displacement due to security crises. Drawing on Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development and Marcia’s identity statuses, this research investigates how displacement impacts adolescents’ sense of self, their relationships, and their future aspirations. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data on identity statuses and personality traits with qualitative verbatims, we highlight the unique challenges and resilience mechanisms employed by these young people. The findings reveal significant differences in identity formation processes and coping strategies between genders, underscoring the critical need for tailored psychosocial support and guidance. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological impact of forced displacement on adolescent development in conflict-affected regions, offering insights for intervention programs in counseling psychology.

Adolescence, identity, personality, internal displacement, counseling psychology