EMERGING ADULTS THEORY AND IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT

Diane J. Wolter, Ph.D.APCA IndianapolisMarch 31, 2014

APA CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITSAccuracy and utility of informationBasis of statementsLimitations of contentSevere and most common risks

Conflict of interest statement

IDENTITY DEVELOPMENTOutline Identity development theories Emerging Adults Examples from study Meg Jay’s “Defining Decade” Discussion

CHICKERING AND REISSERVectors Developing competence Managing emotions Moving through autonomy toward

interdependence Developing mature interpersonal

relationships Establishing identity Developing purpose Developing integrity

CHICKERING AND REISSERDeveloping competence intellectual competence physical and manual skills interpersonal competenceManaging emotions the ability to recognize and accept emotions,

and to appropriately express and control them

CHICKERING AND REISSERMoving through autonomy toward

interdependence This vector is characterized by increased

emotional independence Developing mature interpersonal relationships Developing intercultural and interpersonal

tolerance as well as an appreciation of differences

CHICKERING AND REISSERDeveloping purpose Includes establishing clear vocational

goals, making commitments to specific personal interests and activities as well as interpersonal commitments

Developing integrity Includes three sequential but

overlapping stages: humanizing values, personalizing values, and developing congruence

CHICKERING AND REISSEREstablishing identity Builds on each of the tasks accomplished in

the other vectors

MARCIAForeclosure Students commit to an identity without exploring their options Identity diffusion Students have not explored, have certainly not committed, and may have little interest in exploring or making decisions about their lives

MARCIAMoratorium Students are actively exploring alternatives,

although they have not made a commitment Identity achievement Have overcome their identity crises, explored

alternatives in moratorium, and made commitments to identity

SAMPSON & PETERSONCareer Development Cycle Engage Understand Explore Evaluate Act Reflect

EMERGING ADULTSJeffrey Jensen Arnett Background Development

EMERGING ADULTSFive “features” The age of instability The most self-focused age The age of feeling in-between The age of possibilities The age of identity exploration

EMERGING ADULTSCurrent state:National Association (biennial conferences—six)

New Journal

DESCRIPTION OF STUDYPurposeParticipantsMethodologyData analysis

SUBJECTSPam—physical therapy, has already chosen PT

program, next six years planned out Dancer, needed physical therapy

SUBJECTSKelly—loves fish Asked for an aquarium for eighth birthday

SUBJECTSAbbi—baby doctor Likes babies, doctors make good money

DISCUSSIONWhat facets of identity development do these students display?

What might be some challenges or advantages of each student’s situation, and what is our role in helping them move forward?

Have you encountered students like these?

MEG JAY“The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter, and how to Make the Most of Them Now” Your twenties are a time for exploring Don’t get “serious” about life until 30

QUESTIONS?