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Identity and Agency in Emerging Adulthood: Two Developmental Routes in the Individualization Process

NCJ Number
212448
Journal
Youth & Society Volume: 37 Issue: 2 Dated: December 2005 Pages: 201-229
Author(s)
Seth J. Schwartz; James E. Cote; Jeffrey Jensen Arnett
Date Published
December 2005
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This study explored the relationship between personal agency and identity formation during the period of emerging adulthood.
Abstract
The postindustrial transition from adolescence to adulthood has now extended into at least the mid-20s, propelling researchers to propose a new developmental period to describe this transition, which has been termed “emerging adulthood.” The current study examined identity formation during this period of emerging adulthood, exploring how personal agency associated with the individualization process impacts identity formation during emerging adulthood. In particular, the analysis was concerned with examining the consistency of this relationship across ethnic groups as well as the differences in identity processes between clusters of participants grouped according to their agency scores. Participants were 332 emerging adults recruited from undergraduate college courses in an urban multicultural university. Participants completed a battery of surveys measuring identity in terms of information, normative, and diffuse/avoidant orientations as well as agentic personality in terms of self-esteem, purpose in life, internal locus of control, and ego strength. Results of structural equation modeling and cluster analysis found that agency was positively related to exploration, flexible commitment, and deliberate choice making across ethnic groups. Cluster analysis further indicated that developmental individualization originated most significantly from positive self-perceptions and the ability to effectively cope. Implications for theory are discussed and include the recommendation to view emerging adults as a diverse population. Future studies should use longitudinal data to track the relationship between agentic functioning and identity development over time. Tables, figure, notes, references

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