Identity formation and psychopathological symptoms in adolescence: Examining developmental trajectories and co-development

Identity development is a prominent task during adolescence, and the way adolescents develop their identity is an important factor in psychopathology. The present study aimed to identify different identity trajectory classes and investigated how these classes are related to psychopathological sympto...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied developmental psychology 2022-11, Vol.83, p.101473, Article 101473
Main Authors: Raemen, Leni, Claes, Laurence, Palmeroni, Nina, Buelens, Tinne, Vankerckhoven, Lore, Luyckx, Koen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescence
Adolescents
Developmental psychology
Eating disorders
Identity formation
Identity functioning
Latent growth curve models
Measurement
Mental depression
Prevention programs
Psychopathology
Somatic symptoms
Substance abuse
Trajectory classes
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Summary:Identity development is a prominent task during adolescence, and the way adolescents develop their identity is an important factor in psychopathology. The present study aimed to identify different identity trajectory classes and investigated how these classes are related to psychopathological symptoms (i.e., depressive symptoms; eating disorder symptoms; somatic symptoms and related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and substance use). A total of 599 Flemish adolescents aged 12–18 at Time 1 (41.3% female; Mage = 14.93) participated at three annual measurement points. Five identity trajectory classes emerged using latent class growth analysis (achievement, foreclosure, moratorium, carefree diffusion-increasing exploration, troubled diffusion). In addition, multigroup latent growth curve modeling demonstrated the co-development of identity trajectory classes with psychopathology. Adolescents in classes reflecting maladaptive identity functioning, such as moratorium and troubled diffusion, displayed significantly more psychopathological symptoms. These findings indicate the importance of targeting identity functioning in the prevention and intervention of psychopathology among adolescents. •Five identity trajectory classes emerged among adolescents using latent class growth analysis on the identity processes.•Multigroup latent growth curve modeling indicated the co-development of identity trajectories and pathological symptoms.•Individuals in identity trajectories reflecting less adaptive identity functioning reported more pathological symptoms.
ISSN:0193-3973
1873-7900
DOI:10.1016/j.appdev.2022.101473