Activity-based identity experiences and their relations to problem behavior and psychological well-being in adolescence.
The current study explored the associations between activity-based identity experiences and youth outcomes. Participants were 107 high school students and one parent or guardian of each from three communities in a Northeastern state. Youth completed a measure of activity-based identity experiences (Personally Expressive Activities Questionnaire (PEAQ) [Waterman, A. S. (1990). Personal expressiveness: Philosophical and psychological foundations. Journal of Mind and Behavior, 11, 47-74]), as well as measures of psychological well-being, substance use, and delinquency. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist [Achenbach, T. M. (1991). Manual for the Child Behavior Checklist/4-18 and 1991 profile. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont Department of Psychiatry]. Together, three identity experiences derived from the PEAQ, personal expressiveness, goal-directed behavior, and flow, were significant predictors of adolescent-reported delinquency and well-being. Goal-directed behavior also uniquely predicted adolescent-reported delinquency and well-being. Suggestions for future research and potential implications for intervention are discussed.
Palen
Lori-Ann
LA
Department of Human Development & Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, S-113 Henderson Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA. lxp201@psu.edu
Coatsworth
J Douglas
JD
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology*; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D009511:New England; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012933:Social Identification; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires