Abstract
The present study was conducted to contribute to our understanding of young adult identity development by deriving latent profiles from intrapersonal and interpersonal indices of identity synthesis and confusion. A sample of 9737 college-attending young adults completed measures of identity, mental health, and health risk behaviors. Four latent profiles emerged: Synthesized (high synthesis, low confusion), Diffused (moderate synthesis, high confusion), Elevated (high synthesis and confusion), and Moderate (moderate synthesis and confusion). The Synthesized profile was associated with the highest well-being and the lowest levels of internalizing, externalizing, and health risks. The Diffused and Elevated profiles were both associated with low well-being and with high internalizing, externalizing, and risky behaviors — with the Elevated profile highest on all of the negative outcomes. The Moderate profile scored intermediately on well-being, internalizing, externalizing, and health risks. These results are discussed in terms of the role of identity within a successful transition to adulthood.
•Synthesized, Moderate, Diffused, and Elevated profiles were derived from identity processes in young adulthood.•The Synthesized (high syntonic/low dystonic) profile was linked with high well-being and low internalizing, externalizing, and health risks.•The Diffused (low syntonic/moderate dystonic) profile was linked with lower well-being and higher internalizing, externalizing, and health risks.•The Elevated (high syntonic/high dystonic) profile was linked with highest internalizing, externalizing, and health risks.•The Moderate (moderate syntonic, moderate dystonic) profile was linked with intermediate levels of well-being, internalizing, externalizing, and health risks.
