Promoting Adult Identity Development: A Feasibility Study of a University-Based Identity Intervention Program

Abstract

Targeting identity as an outcome variable, the research described here reports a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of extending to adult university-based populations, the use of intervention change strategies (co-participatory and transformative) developed for community-based positive youth development interventions. Participants (N = 43) were enrolled in an elective personal growth psychology course at a public university. Identity exploration significantly increased, and identity distress significantly decreased. In addition, there was a significant decrease in foreclosed identity statuses and a significant increase in achieved identity statuses. Qualitative indices also suggest that the course was well received and course objectives were achieved.