On the way to adult identity: An evaluation of identity status and narrative identity models of development

Camia, Christin; Motiani, Simran; Waters, Theodore E. A.

doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2022.104304

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…Unfortunately, we were not able to compare participants for the age group 25-29 years due to significantly different numbers of tattooed and non-tattooed individuals. However, defining and committing to an autonomous adult identity constitutes a psychosocial crisis that is often accompanied by identity distress (Camia et al 2022;Merrill et al 2016). Hence, memory objects and tattoos could be especially helpful in the phase of emerging and young adulthood to ground identity and provide a sense of continuity and interpersonal relatedness (Habermas 1999;Habermas and Paha 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Tattoos embody autobiographical memories

Klug,

Camia,

Rohrmann

2024

Mem. Mind & Media

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Autobiographical memories play a vital role in shaping personal identity. Therefore, individuals often use various methods like diaries and photographs to preserve precious memories. Tattoos also serve as a means of remembering, yet their role in autobiographical memory has received limited attention in research. To address this gap, we surveyed 161 adults (68.9 per cent female, M = 26.93, SD = 6.57) to explore the life events that motivated their tattoos and to examine their most significant memories. We then compared these findings with significant memories of 185 individuals without tattoos (80.0 per cent female, M = 31.26, SD = 15.34). The results showed that the majority of tattoos were inspired by unique life events, including specific events about personal growth, relationships, leisure activities, losses, or diseases. Even when not directly tied to specific events in life, tattoos still reflect autobiographical content, such as mottos, beliefs, and values. Furthermore, the most significant memories of younger tattooed individuals (20–24 years) tended to be more normative and less stressful compared to those of their non-tattooed counterparts in the same age group, though the nature of these memories varied. This difference was not found among older participants (30–54 years). Additionally, those without tattoos indicated to use specific objects and methods for preserving important events, suggesting tattoos are only one of several ways to reminisce. However, tattoos uniquely allow for the physical embodiment of autobiographical memories, indicating that engraving significant life events in the skin aids in reflecting on one's life story.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, defining and committing to an autonomous adult identity constitutes a psychosocial crisis that is often accompanied by identity distress (Camia et al . 2022; Merrill et al . 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%