Fulltext

Testing New Identity Models and Processes in French-speaking Adolescents and Emerging Adults Students

Zimmermann, Grégoire ; Lannegrand-Willems, Lyda ; Safont-Mottay, Claire ; Cannard, Christine

In: Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2015, vol. 44, no. 1, p. 127-141

Zum persönliche Liste hinzufügen
    Titel
    • Testing New Identity Models and Processes in French-speaking Adolescents and Emerging Adults Students
    Autor
    • Zimmermann, Grégoire. LabDCI, Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Bâtiment Geopolis, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
    • Lannegrand-Willems, Lyda. Laboratory of Psychology EA 4139, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
    • Safont-Mottay, Claire. Laboratory of Psychology and Socialization Process (PDPS) EA 1687, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
    • Cannard, Christine. Laboratory of Psychology and NeuroCognition, University of Grenoble 2 Pierre Mendés, Grenoble, France
    Dokumententyp
    • Postprint
    Sprache
    • Englisch
    Veröffentlicht in
    • Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2015, vol. 44, no. 1, p. 127-141. Springer US; http://www.springer-ny.com
    Andere elektronische Ausgabe
    OAI-PMH-ID
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:333123
    Summary
    Developing a sense of identity is a crucial psychosocial task for young people. The purpose of this study was to evaluate identity development in French-speaking adolescents and emerging adults (in France and Switzerland) using a process-oriented model of identity formation including five dimensions (i.e., exploration in breadth, commitment making, exploration in depth, identification with commitment, and ruminative exploration). The study included participants from three different samples (total N=2,239, 66.7% women): two samples of emerging adult student and one sample of adolescents. Results confirmed the hypothesized five-factor dimensional model of identity in our three samples and provided evidence for convergent validity of the model. The results also indicated that exploration in depth might be subdivided in two aspects: a first form of exploration in depth leading to a better understanding and to an increase of the strength of current commitments and a second form of exploration in depth leading to a re-evaluation and a reconsideration of current commitments. Further, the identity status cluster solution that emerged is globally in line with previous literature (i.e., achievement, foreclosure, moratorium, carefree diffusion, diffused diffusion, undifferentiated). However, despite a structural similarity, we found variations in identity profiles because identity development is shaped by cultural context. These specific variations are discussed in light of social, educational and economic differences between France and the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Implications and suggestions for future research are offered.