Identity formation and social relations during late adolescence

Abstract

Theoretical assumptions outlined by Erik Erikson on psychosocial crisis resolution hypothesizes that the positive resolution of the identity crisis is predictive of more mature intimacy formation. To test this hypothesis, college-aged late adolescents (48 subjects) completed interviews and selfreport instruments measuring identity formation and degree of intimacy along with daily records of social interactions for one week. Analyses indicated a complex association between identity and intimacy formation. Comparisons were made between the exploration and commitment process of identity and the measures of intimacy formation and social interaction measures. Numerous complex sex differences were observed with several interactions between gender, exploration, commitment, and intimacy context. Findings are discussed in terms of broadening future research direction beyond the simple study of the linkage of identity and intimacy.

Examination of Identity and Romantic Relationship Intimacy Associations with Well-Being in Emerging Adulthood

“…Identity and relationship intimacy development may be a merged process for women whereas identity development may precede the emergence of relationship intimacy for men (Dyk & Adams, 1987). This interpersonal identity focus is associated with higher intimacy for women than men in opposite-sex relationships (Craig-Bray et al, 1988). As a result, our findings suggest women in less developed identity statuses may view their romantic relationships as being more intimate than men in similar identity statuses (i.e., identity diffuse, foreclosed, and moratorium).…”

“…However, individuals vary in their capacity for developing and maintaining these relationships, and one factor associated with the capacity for developing intimate romantic relationships is each member's identity commitment. Research has suggested that identity and intimacy progress concurrently during adolescence and emerging adulthood (Craig-Bray, Adams, & Dobson, 1988;Dyk & Adams, 1987;Loff et al, 2005;Paul & White, 1990), and individuals characterized as having made identity commitments may have more intimate romantic relationships than individuals characterized as not having made identity commitments. The relation between identity and intimacy has been theorized to differ for men and women (see Dyk & Adams, 1990;Josselson, 1987;Markstrom IDENTITY AND INTIMACY ASSOCIATIONS WITH WELL-BEING & Kalmanir, 2001).…”

Religiosity in Emerging Adulthood: Familial Variables and Adjustment

“…Due to the exploration associated with this transitory stage, emerging adults are in the process of examining their religious identity and beliefs (Erikson 1968;Marcia 1966). The ability to establish an identity has been shown to relate to the expression of self-esteem (Akhtar 1984;Craig-Bray et al 1988;Rothman 1984). Hence, a detailed examination of the relationship between religiosity and adjustment would further our understanding of the development of religious identity in emerging adulthood and the significant role it plays in other areas of a young adults' life.…”

Religious Exploration in a Modern World: The Case of Modern-Orthodox Jews in Israel

“…Research suggests that in comparison to people who did not engage in exploration, identity achievers (individuals with exploration-based commitment) manifest higher epistemic thinking (Boyes & Chandler, 1992), deeper interpersonal relations (Craig-Bray, Adams, & Dobson, 1988), and better well-being (Meeus, Iedema, Helsen, & Vollebergh, 1999). Such individuals have been found to rely less on other's opinions during decision making (Kroger, 1996), to be more creative (Waterman & Archer, 1990), and to use rational and systematic decision-making strategies (Blustein & Phillips, 1990).…”