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Vermote B, Soenens B, Vansteenkiste M, Coenye J, Verschueren K, Beyers W. The how and the why of study choice processes in higher education: The role of parental involvement and the experience of having an authentic inner compass. J Adolesc 2023; 95:1749-1763. [PMID: 37690091 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Late adolescents differ in the degree to which they are thoroughly engaged in the study choice process and in the degree to which their choices are autonomous in nature. This study examined the unique and interactive roles of (a) parental involvement in the study choice process and (b) late adolescents' sense of having an authentic inner compass (AIC) in predicting their study choice decision-making. METHOD A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 331 12th-grade adolescents from the Flemish part of Belgium (68.3% female; Mage = 18.04, SD = 0.48) in the spring of 2017 and 2018. RESULTS Results of the latent sum and difference models revealed that late adolescents experiencing a stronger AIC and more need-supportive parental involvement showed more engagement in and autonomous regulation of the study choice process. In contrast, when experiencing more controlling parental involvement or uninvolvement, late adolescents showed more controlled regulation, with parental control also being linked to less commitment. Although mothers were perceived to be more involved than fathers, maternal and paternal involvement were equally strongly related to the study choice tasks. CONCLUSION Overall, late adolescents' sense of having an AIC and parental involvement were related independently to the outcomes, with sense of having an AIC yielding the strongest associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Vermote
- Department of Developmental, Social, and Personality Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Soenens
- Department of Developmental, Social, and Personality Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Vansteenkiste
- Department of Developmental, Social, and Personality Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Coenye
- Department of Developmental, Social, and Personality Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Verschueren
- Department of School Psychology & Development in Context, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - W Beyers
- Department of Developmental, Social, and Personality Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Wendling E, Sagas M. Career Identity Statuses Derived From the Career Identity Development Inventory: A Person-Centered Approach. Psychol Rep 2022:332941221146703. [PMID: 36537307 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221146703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The Career Identity Development Inventory (CIDI) was designed to be used at the person level to assign individuals in a career identity status that would indicate how they approached a career identity crisis and identify developmental needs to resolve career identity concerns. However, given that CIDI has not been tested using a person-centered approach, the first aim of this study was to demonstrate whether and how CIDI can be used to determine individuals' career identity statuses that are theoretically informed by Marcia's identity status paradigm and neo-Eriksonian identity literature. Using a sample of 410 US college graduates, we identified, through a cluster analytic approach, eight groups of distinct career identity profiles, from which four groups resembled Marcia's identity statuses and four other groups were unique variants of identity statuses that extended this paradigm and illustrated a more gradual process of career identity development. This person-centered approach enabled us to subsequently provide evidence of the criterion validity of CIDI, which was the second aim of this study. We examined how the eight career identity statuses derived from the cluster analysis differed according to validation-criterion variables and found that individuals assigned to statuses characterized by high levels of career identity commitments tended to have better career and psychosocial functioning than individuals assigned to statuses characterized by low levels of career identity commitments. Implications along with directions for future research are discussed with respect to developmental challenges associated with career exploration and critical processes of forming a constructed career identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Wendling
- Department of Sport Management, 3463University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael Sagas
- Department of Sport Management, 3463University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Rivnyák A, Járdaházi E, Arató N, Péley B, Láng A. The Assessment of Dual-Cycle Identity Models Among Secondary School Students: The Hungarian Adaptation of DIDS and U-MICS. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:804529. [PMID: 35386521 PMCID: PMC8977606 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.804529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the factor structure and validity of the Hungarian versions of the Dimensions for Identity Development Scale (DIDS) and Utrecht-Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U-MICS). Both models assume that the iterative process of exploring and evolving commitments occurs in two distinct cycles. The sample for testing the factor structure of DIDS consisted of 808 adolescents (357 boys and 451 girls) aged between 14 and 21 years (Mage = 16.86; SD = 1.35). The sample for testing the factor structure of U-MICS consisted of 803 adolescents (353 boys and 450 girls) aged between 14 and 21 years (Mage = 16.88; SD = 1.34). Results indicated a five factor model of DIDS in the present sample. All the five dimensions correlated as hypothesized both internally and externally. In line with previous research, six clusters emerged based on the dimensions of DIDS, including ruminative moratorium. Regarding U-MICS, results indicated a three factor model in the present sample. All the three dimensions were internally and externally correlated as hypothesized regarding both ideological and interpersonal identity domains. With regard to the identity status cluster solution, five clusters emerged in both the educational and friendship domains. We found specific variation regarding identity clusters in the two identity domains. Our results support the use of these two measurements in Hungarian context. Further, our results confirm the divergent developmental dynamics of ideological and interpersonal identity domains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nikolett Arató
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - András Láng
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Berzonsky MD, Kuk L. Identity Styles and College Adaptation: The Mediational Roles of Commitment, Self-Agency and Self-Regulation. IDENTITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15283488.2021.1979552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Berzonsky
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Cortland, Cortland, New York, United States
| | - Linda Kuk
- School of Education, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
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Moral Identity and Subjective Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Identity Commitment Quality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189795. [PMID: 34574719 PMCID: PMC8465947 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Moral identity is associated with people’s subjective well-being; however, little is known about how an individual with moral identity relates to one’s subjective well-being. Based on the eudaimonic identity theory, the current study proposed that identity commitment quality is a critical mechanism that links moral identity (two dimensions: internalization and symbolization) and subjective well-being. We examined our hypotheses in 419 college students, who completed the Self-importance of Moral Identity Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Scale of Positive and Negative Experience, and Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Well-being. Results confirmed significant positive correlations among moral identity, identity commitment quality, and subjective well-being; findings also suggested that both the internalization and symbolization dimensions of moral identity predicted subjective well-being through identity commitment quality, and identity commitment quality fully mediated the pathway relationship between moral identity and subjective well-being. We discussed these findings with respect to implications and proposed research suggestions for future studies.
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Nguyen PLL, Syed M, McGue M. Behavior genetics research on personality: Moving beyond traits to examine characteristic adaptations. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Moin Syed
- Department of Psychology University of Minnesota—Twin Cities Minneapolis MN USA
| | - Matt McGue
- Department of Psychology University of Minnesota—Twin Cities Minneapolis MN USA
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Sofija E, Harris N, Phung D, Sav A, Sebar B. Does Flourishing Reduce Engagement in Unhealthy and Risky Lifestyle Behaviours in Emerging Adults? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E9472. [PMID: 33348792 PMCID: PMC7766773 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Emerging adulthood is a transitional life stage with increased probability of risky and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours that are known to have strong links with premature mortality and morbidity. Wellbeing, as a positive subjective experience, is identified as a factor that encourages self-care and may steer individuals away from risky lifestyle behaviours. Investigating wellbeing-behaviour links in the emerging adult population may increase understanding of the factors that lead to, and ways to prevent, engagement in risky behaviours. This study examines the association between flourishing, that is, the experience of both high hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing, and a broad range of risky and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours among emerging adults in Australia. A cross-sectional survey of 1155 emerging adults aged 18-25 years measured wellbeing, socio-demographics, and six groups of lifestyle behaviours surrounding substance use, physical activity, diet, sex, sun protection, and driving. Bivariate and multivariate statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that flourishing was negatively associated with more dangerous types of risk behaviours, such as driving under the influence of drugs, and positively associated with self-care behaviours, such as healthier dietary behaviour and sun protection. If enabling emerging adults to flourish can contribute to reduced engagement in risky/unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, then promoting it is an important goal for health promotion efforts not only because flourishing is desirable in its own right, but also to bring about sustainable change in behaviour. Further research is needed to inform the designs of such interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesta Sofija
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport 4222, Australia; (N.H.); (D.P.); (B.S.)
| | - Neil Harris
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport 4222, Australia; (N.H.); (D.P.); (B.S.)
| | - Dung Phung
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport 4222, Australia; (N.H.); (D.P.); (B.S.)
| | - Adem Sav
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove Campus, Brisbane 4059, Australia;
| | - Bernadette Sebar
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport 4222, Australia; (N.H.); (D.P.); (B.S.)
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Do Identity Processes and Psychosocial Problems Intertwine with Each Other? Testing the Directionality of Between- and Within-Person Associations. J Youth Adolesc 2019; 49:467-478. [DOI: 10.1007/s10964-019-01182-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Dimitrova R, Hatano K, Sugimura K, Ferrer-Wreder L. The Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory in Adolescent Samples. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759/a000456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. This study tested the factorial structure and equivalence of identity as measured by the Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (EPSI; Rosenthal, Gurney, & Moore, 1981 ) in 2,666 adolescents ( Mage = 16.53, SD = 1.50, 55% girls) in the United States and Japan. The EPSI Identity Scale is a widely used measure of the Eriksonian conceptualization of personal identity (i.e., individual self-knowledge, synthesis, and consistency) and is measured with two factors: identity confusion and synthesis. A bi-factor model for the EPSI had a better fit than a single- and two-factor model. Moreover, the EPSI results showed configural and partial metric equivalence, but did not show scalar equivalence across samples. Future cross-national research with adolescents from the United States and Japan may investigate correlates between identity, as measured by the EPSI, with other measures of interest. However, group comparisons among these samples may be ill advised due to a lack of scalar equivalence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kai Hatano
- Development Center for Higher Education, Osaka Prefecture University, Japan
| | - Kazumi Sugimura
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Education, Hiroshima University, Japan
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Identity Structure and Processes in Adolescence: Examining the Directionality of Between- and Within-Person Associations. J Youth Adolesc 2018; 48:891-907. [PMID: 30251014 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-018-0931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Developing a stable and coherent identity structure (i.e., a synthesized sense of self that can support self-directed decision making) represents a lifelong task. A person's identity structure is continually revised through ongoing processes of identity exploration and commitment. However, longitudinal studies linking identity structure to identity processes are largely lacking. The present three-wave longitudinal study among 530 Flemish high school students [50.6% female; Mage = 15; SD = 1.85; age range = 11-19 years] examined the directionality of both between- and within-person associations linking identity synthesis and confusion to identity exploration and commitment processes. Between-person cross-lagged models indicated that adolescents who scored high on identity synthesis relative to their peers also scored high on proactive exploration and commitment processes, and low on ruminative exploration one year later, again relative to their peers. Adolescents who scored high on identity confusion relative to their peers also scored high on ruminative exploration one year later, again relative to their peers. With respect to effects of identity processes on identity structure, adolescents who scored high on identification with commitment relative to their peers also scored low on identity confusion one year later. Within-person cross-lagged models indicated that, when adolescents scored high on identity synthesis relative to their own average score, they reported increased proactive exploration processes one year later. In general, reaching a degree of identity synthesis appears to represent a prerequisite for proactive identity exploration at both the between- and within-person levels.
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Hatano K, Sugimura K, Schwartz SJ. Longitudinal Links Between Identity Consolidation and Psychosocial Problems in Adolescence: Using Bi-Factor Latent Change and Cross-Lagged Effect Models. J Youth Adolesc 2017; 47:717-730. [PMID: 29105021 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-017-0785-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Most previous identity research has focused on relationships between identity synthesis, confusion, and psychosocial problems. However, these studies did not take into account Erikson's notion of identity consolidation, that is, the dynamic interplay between identity synthesis and confusion. This study aimed to examine longitudinal relationships and the directionality of the effects between identity consolidation and psychosocial problems during adolescence, using two waves of longitudinal data from 793 Japanese adolescents (49.7% girls; ages 13-14 and 16-17 at Time 1). A bi-factor latent change model revealed that levels and changes in identity consolidation were negatively associated with levels and changes in psychosocial problems. Furthermore, a bi-factor cross-lagged effects model provided evidence that identity consolidation negatively predicted psychosocial problems, and vice versa. Our study facilitates a better understanding of the importance of identity consolidation in the relations between identity components and psychosocial problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Hatano
- Development Center for Higher Education, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai City, Osaka, 599-8531, Japan.
| | - Kazumi Sugimura
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Education, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Seth J Schwartz
- Public Health Sciences at the University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Corker KS, Donnellan MB, Kim SY, Schwartz SJ, Zamboanga BL. College Student Samples Are Not Always Equivalent: The Magnitude of Personality Differences Across Colleges and Universities. J Pers 2017; 85:123-135. [PMID: 26331463 PMCID: PMC7941735 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This research examined the magnitude of personality differences across different colleges and universities to understand (a) how much students at different colleges vary from one another and (b) whether there are site-level variables that can explain observed differences. Nearly 8,600 students at 30 colleges and universities completed a Big Five personality trait measure. Site-level information was obtained from the Integrated Postsecondary Education System database (U.S. Department of Education). Multilevel models revealed that each of the Big Five traits showed significant between-site variability, even after accounting for individual-level demographic differences. Some site-level variables (e.g., enrollment size, requiring letters of recommendation) explained between-site differences in traits, but many tests were not statistically significant. Student samples at different universities differed in terms of average levels of Big Five personality domains. This raises the possibility that personality differences may explain differences in research results obtained when studying students at different colleges and universities. Furthermore, results suggest that research that compares findings for only a few sites (e.g., much cross-cultural research) runs the risk of overgeneralizing differences between specific samples to broader group differences. These results underscore the value of multisite collaborative research efforts to enhance psychological research.
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Michikyan M, Subrahmanyam K, Dennis J. A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: A Mixed Methods Study of Online Self-Presentation in a Multiethnic Sample of Emerging Adults. IDENTITY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORY AND RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15283488.2015.1089506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Puvirajah A, Calandra B. Embodied Experiences in Virtual Worlds Role-Play as a Conduit for Novice Teacher Identity Exploration: A Case Study. IDENTITY 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15283488.2014.989441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Schwartz SJ, Hardy SA, Zamboanga BL, Meca A, Waterman AS, Picariello S, Luyckx K, Crocetti E, Kim SY, Brittian AS, Roberts SE, Whitbourne SK, Ritchie RA, Brown EJ, Forthun LF. Identity in young adulthood: Links with mental health and risky behavior. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2015; 36:39-52. [PMID: 34334855 PMCID: PMC8319849 DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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.
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Hardy SA, Francis SW, Zamboanga BL, Kim SY, Anderson SG, Forthun LF. The roles of identity formation and moral identity in college student mental health, health-risk behaviors, and psychological well-being. J Clin Psychol 2013; 69:364-82. [PMID: 23044630 PMCID: PMC7871525 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.21913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the roles of identity formation and moral identity in predicting college student mental health (anxiety and depressive symptoms), health-risk behaviors (hazardous alcohol use and sexual risk taking), and psychological well-being (self-esteem and meaning). METHOD The sample comprised 9,500 college students (aged 18-25 years, mean = 19.78, standard deviation = 1.61; 73% female; 62% European American), from 31 different universities, who completed an online self-report survey. RESULTS Structural equation models found that identity maturity (commitment making and identity synthesis) predicted 5 of the health outcomes (except sexual risk taking), and moral identity predicted all of the health outcomes. In most cases identity maturity and moral identity also interacted in predicting mental health and psychological well-being, but not health-risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS The maturity and specific contents of identity may both play unique and often interactive roles in predicting college student health. Thus, college student health might be bolstered by helping them establish appropriate identity commitments.
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Ritchie RA, Meca A, Madrazo VL, Schwartz SJ, Hardy SA, Zamboanga BL, Weisskirch RS, Kim SY, Whitbourne SK, Ham LS, Lee RM. Identity dimensions and related processes in emerging adulthood: helpful or harmful? J Clin Psychol 2013; 69:415-32. [PMID: 23348360 PMCID: PMC7869142 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.21960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study evaluated the mediational role of well-being in the relationship between identity development and psychosocial functioning. METHOD A sample of 7,649 undergraduate students (73% female; mean age = 19.95, standard deviation = 1.98; 62% Caucasian) completed measures of personal identity, well-being, internalizing symptoms, externalizing problems, and health-risk behaviors. RESULTS Results revealed that (a) identity exploration and commitment were negatively associated with internalizing symptoms, health-risk behaviors, and externalizing problems through well-being, (b) ruminative exploration was negatively associated with well-being and positively associated with externalizing problems, and (c) increased levels of ruminative exploration appear more detrimental for men than for women. CONCLUSION The study shed light on the mechanisms through which identity processes are related to internalizing symptoms, externalizing problems, and health-risk behaviors. The role of well-being in these associations, and the potentially deleterious "side effects" of exploration and commitment appear to suggest new and important directions for identity research.
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