Abstract
The present study was conducted to contribute to our understanding of young adult identity development by deriving latent profiles from intrapersonal and interpersonal indices of identity synthesis and confusion. A sample of 9737 college-attending young adults completed measures of identity, mental health, and health risk behaviors. Four latent profiles emerged: Synthesized (high synthesis, low confusion), Diffused (moderate synthesis, high confusion), Elevated (high synthesis and confusion), and Moderate (moderate synthesis and confusion). The Synthesized profile was associated with the highest well-being and the lowest levels of internalizing, externalizing, and health risks. The Diffused and Elevated profiles were both associated with low well-being and with high internalizing, externalizing, and risky behaviors - with the Elevated profile highest on all of the negative outcomes. The Moderate profile scored intermediately on well-being, internalizing, externalizing, and health risks. These results are discussed in terms of the role of identity within a successful transition to adulthood.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 39-52 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology |
Volume | 36 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Externalizing
- Health risks
- Identity
- Internalizing
- Well-being
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental and Educational Psychology