The dynamics of personality and identity in adolescence

Abstract

The present paper summarizes some of the key findings on the dynamics of personality and identity in adolescence by the author's research group. With regard to personality, we found evidence for a maturation process in which girls were ahead of boys. Being ahead or lagging behind with regard to this maturation process was found to be associated with internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively. We further identified which specific traits were associated with problem behaviour, and showed that these associations are bidirectional. With regard to identity, we showed that short-term fluctuations affect subsequent levels of identity dimensions. In addition, we uncovered a commitment–reconsideration dynamic that operates on a day-to-day level.

Keywords:

• Adolescence
• Personality
• Identity formation
• Big Five
• Adjustment

Acknowledgments

The present paper refers to my George Butterworth Award Address at the 15th European Conference on Developmental Psychology. I received this award for a dissertation to which several people have made very important contributions. First, I would like to thank my supervisors Wim Meeus, Bill Hale, and Quinten Raaijmakers for their input and support. Second, I would like to thank the several co-authors, but especially Susan Branje, Koen Luyckx, and Luc Goossens for their contribution. Third, I would like to thank my colleagues from Utrecht University who provided a very inspiring and pleasant atmosphere to work in.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Theo A. Klimstra

The author is a postdoctoral researcher at the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO).