Predicting Change in Relational Identity Commitments: Exploration and Emotions

Abstract

Exploration has long been assumed to be the primary mechanism behind changes in identity commitments. Conceptual and operational definitions of exploration emphasize the active role of the individual. In addition to this mechanism, we propose a model based on emotions to explain changes in relational identity commitments. To investigate the viability of this model, four individuals (aged 20-22 years) reported daily identity-relevant experiences for 5 months. The Groningen Identity Development Scale (Bosma, 1985) and a variant thereof were administered at the beginning and end of this period, respectively. The results challenge the primacy of exploration as a mechanism behind commitment changes, and reveal an important role for emotions in such changes.