Longitudinal Associations among Identity Processes and Mental Health in Young Adulthood: The Mediating Role of Social Support.
J Youth Adolesc
; 53(4): 814-832, 2024 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37864731
ABSTRACT
Emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) is a period of identity exploration, particularly for young adults navigating the transition to post-secondary school. Little is known about how changes in identity exploration may be related to emerging adults' mental health, or the role of social support plays in identity-related processes. In the present study, associations among identity exploration, internalizing symptoms, and perceived social support were examined. Participants included a diverse group of emerging adults (N = 1,125, Mage = 17.96 years) studying at a Canadian university. Random-intercept cross-lagged modeling demonstrated that within-person increases in exploration in breadth predicted fewer depressive symptoms over time, whereas within-person increases in exploration in depth predicted more depressive and anxious symptoms over time. A mediation effect from perceived support from significant other to depressive symptoms via exploration in breadth was also evident. Findings suggest that identity exploratory processes may be developmentally relevant in emerging adulthood, but their implications for mental health may differ. Perceived social support is also meaningfully related to identity exploration and mental health.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Identificação Social
/
Saúde Mental
Limite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Youth Adolesc
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Canadá