Links Between Life Stories and Identity Profiles in Emerging Adults From Georgia

Abstract

In this study, we examine personal identity formation using two approaches: a dual-cycle model of identity development and a narrative life-story model. We used quantitative and qualitative methods for studying personal identity: Luyckx et al.'s Dimensions of Identity Development Scale and D. P. McAdams' life-story interview. Using six cases selected from a sample of 62 Georgian emerging adults, we illustrate how identity profiles created using six identity dimensions (exploration in breadth, commitmentmaking, identification with commitment, reflective exploration in depth, reconsideration of commitment, and ruminative exploration) are reflected in life stories depicting participants' paths toward identity commitments and their ideas about the future and life themes. This article demonstrates how identity dimensions are connected to the context and how this connection is manifested in their life stories. The research illustrates theoretical exemplification by case studies and exemplifies the manifestation of dual-cycle identity development theorizing in case examples through narratives.

The Struggle to Find Meaning: A Mixed Methodology Study on Meaning-Making and Identity

“…An integration of process-oriented and narrative life-story approaches of identity would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how people develop a sense of self (Klimstra & Denissen, 2017; McLean & Pratt, 2006; Skhirtladze, Javakhishvili, Schwartz, & Luyckx, 2017). Although both approaches have their theoretical roots in Erikson’s seminal work, the process-oriented approach draws mainly on models of decision-making and life choices (Luyckx, Goossens, Soenens, & Beyers, 2006; Luyckx et al, 2008), whereas the narrative approach nuances identity processes by addressing autobiographical reasoning and contextualizes life choices within life stories (McAdams, 2001; McLean & Pratt, 2006; Skhirtladze et al, 2017). Moreover, by linking the two models, we could better understand the temporal fluidity of identity, as the process-oriented approach targets the current outlook of identity, while the narrative approach provides insights into individuals’ perceptions on how they arrived at their existent identity (Klimstra & Denissen, 2017; McLean & Pasupathi, 2012).…”

Identity Development During Student Exchange: A Qualitative Study of Students’ Perspectives on the Processes of Change

“…Further research should test whether similar processes occur in different populations. A focus on those from non-western countries would be especially valuable, as identity processes and development during emerging adulthood may be very different in western compared with non-western countries (Schwartz et al, 2013; Skhirtladze et al, 2018).…”