Identity Development in Early Adulthood
Saved in:
| Title: | Identity Development in Early Adulthood |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Eriksson, Py Liv (ORCID |
| Source: | Developmental Psychology. Oct 2020 56(10):1968-1983. |
| Availability: | American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2020 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Young Adults, Identification (Psychology), Self Concept, Foreign Countries, Employment Level, Family Life, Gender Differences, Change, Change Strategies, Context Effect |
| Geographic Terms: | Sweden |
| DOI: | 10.1037/dev0001093 |
| ISSN: | 0012-1649 |
| Abstract: | This longitudinal study investigated identity development across early adulthood. To examine both stability and change in identity development, an explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. First, patterns of identity status development across early adulthood were examined, followed by an in-depth qualitative approach to understand more about the processes within identity status stability from the late 20s into the 30s. Analyses revealed group-level changes in identity status across ages 25 (M[subscript age] = 24.9, SD = 0.7), 29 (M[subscript age] = 29.3, SD = 0.6), and 33 (M[subscript age] = 33.3, SD = 0.5) among the 118 participants, with fewer individuals in moratorium and more in identity achievement in later years. Stable identity statuses with established commitments (identity achievement and foreclosure) were by far the most common patterns across early adulthood. To understand how early adults maintain their identity within these stable patterns, we employed longitudinal qualitative analyses of identity status interviews from ages 29 and 33. These analyses revealed 3 processes of identity development: "approach to change" (willingness to adjust and evolve previously established commitments), "story integration" (thematic and temporal integration, and metaexploration of previous identity work), and "participation in a broader life context" (identity expanding beyond personal aspirations). Together, these findings show that there is identity status change toward maturity across early adulthood and high stability within individual patterns. The findings also show that stable identity achievement facilitates further deepening within the three processes of identity development, and that stable foreclosure can be connected to both weakening and deepening in identity development. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Notes: | https://osf.io/qt8px |
| Entry Date: | 2020 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1268340 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This longitudinal study investigated identity development across early adulthood. To examine both stability and change in identity development, an explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. First, patterns of identity status development across early adulthood were examined, followed by an in-depth qualitative approach to understand more about the processes within identity status stability from the late 20s into the 30s. Analyses revealed group-level changes in identity status across ages 25 (M[subscript age] = 24.9, SD = 0.7), 29 (M[subscript age] = 29.3, SD = 0.6), and 33 (M[subscript age] = 33.3, SD = 0.5) among the 118 participants, with fewer individuals in moratorium and more in identity achievement in later years. Stable identity statuses with established commitments (identity achievement and foreclosure) were by far the most common patterns across early adulthood. To understand how early adults maintain their identity within these stable patterns, we employed longitudinal qualitative analyses of identity status interviews from ages 29 and 33. These analyses revealed 3 processes of identity development: "approach to change" (willingness to adjust and evolve previously established commitments), "story integration" (thematic and temporal integration, and metaexploration of previous identity work), and "participation in a broader life context" (identity expanding beyond personal aspirations). Together, these findings show that there is identity status change toward maturity across early adulthood and high stability within individual patterns. The findings also show that stable identity achievement facilitates further deepening within the three processes of identity development, and that stable foreclosure can be connected to both weakening and deepening in identity development. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0012-1649 |
| DOI: | 10.1037/dev0001093 |
