Identity Formation and Evaluation in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: How is It Associated with Depressive Symptoms and Loneliness?

Overview

Journal Scand J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Psychol

Publisher Sciendo

Specialty Pediatrics

Date 2021 Feb 1

PMID 33520756

Citations 1

Authors

Nanna Lindekilde

Marlene Lubeck

Mathias Lasgaard

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Developing a personal identity is a challenging task throughout adolescence and emerging adulthood. In 2006, Luyckx and colleagues developed an identity model differentiating identity formation into exploration and commitment dimensions. Previous studies have documented associations between the identity dimensions and different aspects of mental health.

Objective: Based on Luyckx and colleagues five-dimensional identity model, the present study investigated associations between identity dimensions and intra- and interpersonal aspects of mental health.

Method: In total, 524 high school students (65 % female; mean age = 18.27; SD = 1.15) participated in a cross-sectional study measuring five identity dimensions and intra- and interpersonal aspects of mental health (depressive symptoms and loneliness). Correlation coefficients were calculated and hierarchical regression analyses were performed.

Results: Only two of the five identity dimensions: Identification with Commitment and Ruminative Exploration, were significantly associated with depression. None of the five identity dimensions were associated with loneliness.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that the identity dimensions are not specifically associated with feelings of loneliness but that Identification with Commitment and Ruminative Exploration may be key components in the development of depressive symptoms. Future studies exploring the associations of identity dimensions and multiple intra- and interpersonal aspects of mental health are recommended.

Citing Articles

The role of identity in the development of depressive, anxiety and psychosis symptoms in adolescents exposed to childhood adversity: a process-oriented approach.

Samaey C, Lambrechts S, Lecei A, Achterhof R, Hagemann N, Hermans K BMC Psychiatry. 2025; 25(1):194.

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Voices of Hope: Leveraging Think-Aloud Cognitive Interviews to Develop a Hope Assessment Tool for Young People Living with Chronic Health Conditions.

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