Identity Centrality and Psychosocial Functioning: A Person-Centered Approach

Alan Meca*, Rachel A. Ritchie, Wim Beyers, Seth J. Schwartz, Simona Picariello, Byron L. Zamboanga, Sam A. Hardy, Koen Luyckx, Su Yeong Kim, Susan K. Whitbourne, Elisabetta Crocetti, Elissa J. Brown, Cynthia G. Benitez

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

There has been increased recognition that identity operates within several “components” and that not every component is likely to be equally central to one’s sense of self. The aim of the current study was to determine the extent to which identity components (i.e., personal, relational, collective, and public) are differentially central to emerging adults’ identity. We used a two-step cluster analytic procedure to identify distinct clusters and determine how these configurations might differ in relation to psychosocial functioning (i.e., well-being, externalizing and internalizing symptoms, illicit drug use, risky sex, and impaired driving). The sample consisted of 8,309 college students (72.8% female; M<inf>age</inf> = 19.94 years, 18–29, SD = 2.01) from 30 U.S. colleges and universities. Analyses identified six unique clusters based on the centrality of the four identity components. The findings indicated that a more well-rounded identity was associated with the most favorable psychosocial functioning. Results are discussed in terms of important directions for identity research and practical implications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)327-339
Number of pages13
JournalEmerging Adulthood
Volume3
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Oct 2015

Keywords

  • cluster analysis
  • college
  • identity
  • identity centrality
  • psychosocial functioning

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