Identity formation and evaluation in adolescence and emerging adulthood: How is it associated with depressive symptoms and loneliness?

Abstract Background: Developing a personal identity is a challenging task throughout adolescence and emerging adulthood. In 2006, Luyckx and colleagues developed an identity model differentiating identity formation into exploration and commitment dimensions. Previous studies have documented associations between the identity dimensions and different aspects of mental health. Objective: Based on Luyckx and colleagues five-dimensional identity model, the present study investigated associations between identity dimensions and intra- and interpersonal aspects of mental health. Method: In total, 524 high school students (65 % female; mean age = 18.27; SD = 1.15) participated in a cross-sectional study measuring five identity dimensions and intra- and interpersonal aspects of mental health (depressive symptoms and loneliness). Correlation coefficients were calculated and hierarchical regression analyses were performed. Results: Only two of the five identity dimensions: Identification with Commitment and Ruminative Exploration, were significantly associated with depression. None of the five identity dimensions were associated with loneliness. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the identity dimensions are not specifically associated with feelings of loneliness but that Identification with Commitment and Ruminative Exploration may be key components in the development of depressive symptoms. Future studies exploring the associations of identity dimensions and multiple intra- and interpersonal aspects of mental health are recommended.