Emerging Adults Theory and Identity Development

Diane J. Wolter, Ph.D.NACADA Region 6

May 3, 2013

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

Chickering and ReisserVectors (continued) 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

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

Description of StudyPurposeParticipantsMethodologyData analysis

SubjectsRuth—chiropractic Her own experience with

chiropracter made her choose that path

Pam—physical therapy, has already chosen PT program, next six years planned out

Dancer, needed physical therapy

SubjectsKayla—dentistry Always loved going to the dentistKelsey—paleontology “You know how you love dinosaurs

when you’re a kid? I never grew out of it!”

SubjectsAbbi—baby doctor Likes babies, doctors make good

money

Career Development Cycle Engage Understand Explore Evaluate Act Reflect

Career Development Cycle

Meg Jay“The Defining Decade” Your twenties are a time for

exploring Don’t get “serious” about life until

30

Discussion