Identity construction, Self-concept and Autonomy in Emerging Adults

Abstract

Emerging adulthood involves the resolution of some classic developmental tasks in order to gradually build a personal project in a framework of psychological and social autonomy. The construction of identity and the development of self- concept will integrate personal experiences and it extends beyond this developmental stage, giving meaning to one's life path. In the present study we aimed to explore how having a professional activity can influence the construction of identity, self-concept and psychological separation of parental figures, in emerging adults who study in higher education and emerging adults who have a professional occupation. The study compared 361 emerging adults (college students) and 348 emerging adults (with an academic degree and having a regular professional occupation). The results supported the existence of differences between the two groups in the three developmental dimensions selected for the study.

Key-words:
Identity construction; self-concept; autonomy