Identity Styles and Interpersonal Behavior in Emerging Adulthood: The Intervening Role of Empathy

Abstract

This study examined the intervening role of empathy in the relations between identity styles (i.e., information-oriented, normative, and diffuse-avoidant styles), and interpersonal behaviors (i.e., prosocial behavior, self-and other-oriented helping, and physical and relational aggression). In a sample of 341 emerging adults, it was found that an information-oriented style relates to a more adaptive pattern of interpersonal behaviors whereas a normative or a diffuse-avoidant identity style relate to a more maladaptive pattern of interpersonal behaviors. Empathy played an intervening role between the information-oriented style and interpersonal behavior, and between the diffuse-avoidant style and interpersonal behavior. However, empathy did not intervene between the normative style and interpersonal behavior. Implications for future research are discussed.

Longitudinal Associations of Identity Processing Styles With Prodiversity and Proequality Values in Adolescence

“…In comparison, similar longitudinal effects were not identified in the case of normative identity style, which is in line with previous findings showing that this style, while beneficial for an individual, does not have favorable implications for community‐related functioning (Crocetti et al., ; Smits et al., ). Similarly, the diffuse‐avoidant identity style had no longitudinal effects on values in our study.…”

“…The Identity Style Inventory (ISI–4; Luyckx, Lens, Smits, & Goossens, ; Smits, Doumen, Luyckx, Duriez, & Goossens, ) was used to measure identity styles. The items were scored on a scale ranging from 1 ( not at all like me ) to 5 ( very much like me ).…”

The Interplay of Self–Certainty and Prosocial Development in the Transition from Late Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood

“…This positive effect might be driven by psychosocial resources that are associated with a well-established self-concept (Back, 2015;Back & Vazire, 2015). In fact, young people who are more sure about themselves are expected to be more flexible in responding to the social environment (Campbell, 1990), to be better able to understand others' needs and to put themselves in their 'shoes' (Smits, Doumen, Luyckx, Duriez, & Goossens, 2011), to have a more accurate relationship perception (Kenny, Kashy, & Cook, 2006;Mund, Finn, Hagemeyer, Zimmermann, & Neyer, 2015), and to become capable of committing to interpersonal relationships in a mature way (Beyers & Seiffge-Krenke, 2010). This is consistent with empirical evidence documenting that high SCC is related to relationship satisfaction and commitment (Lewandowski, Nardone, & Raines, 2010), whereas low SCC is associated with interpersonal problems (Constantino, Wilson, Horowitz, & Pinel, 2006) and loneliness (Frijns & Finkenauer, 2009).…”

Rumination, Sexual Orientation Uncertainty, and Psychological Distress in Sexual Minority University Students

“…This exploration, although important and meaningful, is associated with depressive and anxious symptoms in emerging adults (Luyckx et al, 2008). Moreover, less adaptive approaches to handling identity exploration are associated with physical and relational aggressive behavior in this age group (Smits, Doumen, Luyckx, Duriez, & Goossens, 2011). Thus, it seems likely that sexual orientation uncertainty in emerging adults will be associated with similar outcomes.…”