Beyond the Self grew out of a conference of developmental scientists who examined the ways that young people were developing understandings of self that anchored youth to something larger than their own personal competencies and success. Each of the papers drew on the question of how one locates the formation of identity within the scope of different transcending demands or influences. This special issue is organized into three parts--moral, civic, and cultural and religous identity--but are not exclusive in their focus on these themes as many of the sections provide a more integrated view of human development. In sum, these articles recognize that the search for identity and purpose within adolescence is informed by a multiplicity of voices.