Links Between Identity Formation and Political Engagement in Young Adulthood |
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Authors: | Rasmus Mannerström Jan-Erik Lönnqvist Sointu Leikas |
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Affiliation: | 1. Swedish School of Social Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland;2. Institute of Behavioural Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland |
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Abstract: | Young adults’ decreased engagement in politics has theoretically been linked to issues in personal identity formation, but there are few and limited empirical studies on the subject. We examined, in a Finnish community sample of young adults (N = 744), for the first time the associations of diverse measures of political engagement with the identity processes and identity statuses as measured by the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale. In general, both the variable- and person-oriented analyses indicated that having future commitments but also exploring alternatives to some extent were associated with stronger political engagement. The links and differences among identity processes, statuses, and political engagement were, nonetheless, weaker than could have been expected. |
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Keywords: | Dimensions of Identity Development Scale identity formation identity status political engagement political participation |
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