On the way to adult identity: An evaluation of identity status and narrative identity models of development

Successful resolution of identity is fundamental for a good life. According to the ego identity status model, emerging adults explore and commit to various identity domains. Concurrently, emerging adults are theorized to develop their narrative identity. Yet, it is unclear whether ego identity processes help to establish a narrative identity, or if the development of a narrative identity facilitates ego identity achievement. Therefore, we assessed autobiographical meaning making in repeated narratives and identity status processes of 180 emerging adults (Mage = 20.47, SDage = 3.35, 68.90 % female) at two measurements 8-months apart. Results showed differential effects on identity depending on the meaning made and suggest that narrative identity provides the ground for identity status processes such as identity exploration.