Identity Integration in Emerging Adulthood: A Longitudinal Investigation of Well-Being and Psychological Outcomes

Abstract

This study applies the theoretical framework for identity integration presented by Syed and McLean (2016) to a longitudinal and mixed methods investigation of the process and content of contextual identity integration in emerging adults at four time points over the first three years of college (N = 189, Mage at wave one = 18.70). A unique application of Little’s (2015) Personal Projects Analysis was used to address five weaknesses of past investigations of contextual identity integration by exploring identity integration at the second tier of personality: characteristic adaptations. Results suggested two unique processes: contextual identity integration and contextual identity disintegration. For the majority of participants contextual identity integration decreased across the first three years of college. Concurrent associations suggested complex associations between psychological health, contextual identity integration and disintegration. Taken together with coding of the content of these integrative processes, findings suggest the significance of interpersonal connection to contextual identity integration, as well as the importance of novel approaches to the measurement of identity integration.