Identiteitsformatie en verandering in de persoonlijkheid tijdens de adolescentie

Abstract

Background: This study examines to what extent identity formation predicts changes in personality traits in adolescence (10-19 years old), and to what extent the associations between identity formation and personality traits differ between early versus late adolescence. Methods: Data from the first and fifth wave of a longitudinal Dutch study on identity formation and personality was used for this study. In 2001 the sample consisted of 930 adolescents (51.2% boys and 48.8% girls). Through self-reports, adolescents reported on identity dimensions and personality traits. Research questions were answered using a multiple hierarchical regression, correlation test, and a Fisher’s z-test. Results & conclusion: Results of the present study show that identity formation is related to personality during early and late adolescence. The results show cross-sectional correlations of identity with personality, but not with changes in personality. This study did not find any significant effects for the identity dimensions as a predictor of changes in personality. The associations between identity formation and personality traits were found to be modestly stronger during late adolescence, but in contrast to the hypothesis in particular for commitment. More research is needed to investigate the role of age in the associations between identity and personality during adolescence. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.