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ABSTRACT: Low self-esteem has been shown to relate to concurrent and later feelings of loneliness in adolescence. However, it remains unclear why low self-esteem puts adolescents at risk for experiencing loneliness. Further, longitudinal research on the direction of effects between loneliness and self-esteem is virtually non-existent. The present study aims to fill these gaps in the literature. First, the direction of effects between loneliness and self-esteem was investigated in two independent longitudinal studies: a five-wave study sampling Dutch adolescents (M age = 15.22 years at T1; 47 % female; N = 428) and a three-wave study sampling Belgian adolescents (M age = 14.95 years at T1; 63 % female; N = 882). Second, the underlying role of social acceptance was investigated in the latter sample by applying a multi-method approach that included actual (i.e., peer-reported) and perceived (i.e., self-reported) social acceptance. Results indicated that self-esteem and loneliness influenced one another in a reciprocal manner. Furthermore, the dominant path from self-esteem to loneliness was partially mediated by perceived-but not actual-social acceptance. The importance of distinguishing actual from perceived social acceptance is discussed, and suggestions for future research are outlined.
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology 05/2013; · 3.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Identity processing style refers to differences in how individuals process identity-relevant information as they engage or manage to avoid the challenges of constructing, maintaining, and/or reconstructing a sense of identity. The third version of the Identity Style Inventory (Berzonsky, 1992b) has been used to operationally define identity styles in most empirical investigations. The objective of the present series of studies was the development and validation of a new revised measure of identity processing style: Identity Style Inventory-Version 5 (ISI-5). Initially a pool of 39 generic items was generated that highlighted the processing of identity-relevant information on content-neutral issues such as personal values, goals, problems, and the like. Three style scales were identified by Exploratory Factor Analysis: A 9-item Informational-style scale; a 9-item Normative-style scale; and a 9-item Diffuse-avoidant style scale. Confirmatory factor analysis on an independent sample indicated that this 3-factor solution provided the best fit. Results from 5 studies provided evidence for the psychometric properties of the scales. Scores on the 3 style scales demonstrated good test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Theoretically predicted correlations between the ISI-5 scale scores and performance on measures of identity status, content, and commitment, and measures of rational and automatic processing provided evidence for their convergent and discriminant validity. It is concluded that the scales should be useful for researchers interested in investigating individual differences in identity processing style. Limitations and directions for future research are considered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).
Psychological Assessment 05/2013; · 2.99 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Objectives: The present study investigated the relationship between Antonovsky's sense of coherence (SOC) and well-being in a sample of Flemish elderly. In addition, the mediating role of Erikson's developmental task of integrity versus despair was examined in the relationship between SOC, depression, and life satisfaction. Method: Data on sociodemographic variables, SOC, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, ego-integrity, and despair were collected. In total, 100 older persons with a mean age of 76.5 years participated. Mplus was used to test the mediating role of integrity and despair in the relationship between SOC and both life satisfaction and depression. Results: A positive relationship between SOC and well-being was found. More precisely, elderly individuals with a strong SOC experienced less depressive symptoms and higher levels of satisfaction with their life. In addition, mediation analysis indicated that the relationship between SOC and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by the positive resolution of the integrity-despair crisis, whereas the relationship between SOC and life satisfaction was fully mediated by integrity and despair. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that SOC might be a resource for greater well-being in the elderly. Furthermore, our study offers a partial explanation for the relations found and points to the importance of finding integrity and resolving despair in this stage of life.
Aging and Mental Health 04/2013; · 1.37 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Parent-adolescent conflict has been demonstrated to relate to treatment adherence and glycemic control in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. The present longitudinal study investigated how these variables were interrelated over time, and examined whether externalising and internalising symptoms function as mediating variables. A total of 109 adolescents with diabetes participated at four annual time points and completed measures on conflict with parents, internalising and externalising symptoms. Information on treatment non-adherence and glycemic control was obtained from treating physicians. Cross-lagged analyses from a structural equation modelling approach indicated that father-adolescent but not mother-adolescent conflict positively influenced treatment non-adherence over time, which, in turn, was associated with higher glycosylated haemoglobin-values. Further, externalising but not internalising symptoms were found to mediate the pathway from father-adolescent conflict to treatment adherence over time. Finally, mother-adolescent conflict was found to relate indirectly to treatment non-adherence through its relationship with externalising symptoms. Hence, the present longitudinal study provides evidence that externalising symptoms represent an important mechanism through which earlier experiences of parent-adolescent conflict may influence later treatment non-adherence and poorer glycemic control. Implications and suggestions for future research are outlined.
Psychology & Health 04/2013; · 1.69 Impact Factor
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Journal of Research in Personality 03/2013; 47:256-363. · 2.00 Impact Factor
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Jessie Dezutter,
Alan S. Waterman,
Seth J. Schwartz, Koen Luyckx,
Wim Beyers,
Alan Meca,
Su Yeong Kim,
Susan Krauss Whitbourne,
Byron L. Zamboanga,
Richard M. Lee,
Sam A. Hardy,
Larry F. Forthun,
Rachel A. Ritchie,
Robert S. Weisskirch,
Jean Caraway
Journal of Personality 02/2013; · 2.44 Impact Factor
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Jessie Dezutter,
Alan S Waterman,
Seth J Schwartz, Koen Luyckx,
Wim Beyers,
Alan Meca,
Su Yeong Kim,
Susan Krauss Whitbourne,
Byron L Zamboanga,
Richard M Lee,
Sam A Hardy,
Larry F Forthun,
Rachel A Ritchie,
Robert S Weisskirch,
Elissa J Brown,
S Jean Caraway
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated naturally occurring profiles based on two dimensions of meaning in life: Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning. Cluster analysis was used to examine meaning in life profiles and subsequent analyses identified different patterns in psychosocial functioning for each profile. METHOD: A sample of 8,492 American emerging adults (72.5% women) from 30 colleges and universities completed measures on meaning in life, and positive and negative psychosocial functioning. RESULTS: Results provided support for five meaningful yet distinguishable profiles. A strong generalizability of the cluster solution was found across age, and partial generalizability was found across gender and ethnicity. Furthermore, the five profiles showed specific patterns in relation to positive and negative psychosocial functioning. Specifically, respondents with profiles high on presence of meaning showed the most adaptive psychosocial functioning whereas respondents with profiles where meaning was largely absent showed maladaptive psychosocial functioning. CONCLUSION: The present study provided additional evidence for prior research concerning the complex relationship between Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning, and their relation with psychosocial functioning. Our results offer a partial clarification of the nature of the Search for Meaning process by distinguishing between adaptive and maladaptive searching for meaning in life.
Journal of Personality 02/2013; · 2.44 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The present article presents a review of identity status-based theory and research with adolescents and emerging adults, with some coverage of related approaches such as narrative identity and identity style. In the first section, we review Erikson’s theory of identity and early identity status research examining differences in personality and cognitive variables across statuses. We then review two contemporary identity models that extend identity status theory and explicitly frame identity development as a dynamic and iterative process. We also review work that has focused on specific domains of identity. The second section of the article discusses mental and physical health correlates of identity processes and statuses. The article concludes with recommendations for future identity research with adolescent and emerging adult populations.
Emerging Adulthood. 02/2013; In press.
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ABSTRACT: Background:Since survival rates of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) have improved, issues beyond the quantity of life have become more important. Quality of life (QOL) has mainly been investigated in adults with CHD. Hence, research about QOL among adolescents with CHD is much needed.Aim:To compare the QOL of adolescents with CHD with that of control subjects from the general population and to explore whether sense of coherence (SOC) explains differences in QOL between patients and controls.Methods:In this cross-sectional, comparative study, we included 429 patients (229 boys; 200 girls) aged 14-18 years, who were matched to control subjects for age and sex. QOL was measured with a Linear Analogue Scale; SOC was measured using the SOC-13.Results:Median QOL score in patients was 82 (Q1=75; Q3=90). The QOL of patients was significantly (Z=-5.888; p<0.001) better than that of controls (median=80; Q1=70; Q3=85.5). Adjusted for other potentially confounding factors, linear mixed modelling showed that the better QOL in patients was explained by a higher SOC (mean=61.4±12.0 vs. 53.6±10.4) and better perceived physical health (mean=87.0±13.8 vs. 85.3±13.2).Conclusions:This study found that adolescents with CHD have a good QOL, one that is better than that of control subjects from the general population. A stronger SOC and better perceived physical health are potential resources for better QOL in patients.
European journal of cardiovascular nursing: journal of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Nursing of the European Society of Cardiology 02/2013;
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ABSTRACT: Background:To optimize long-term outcomes, patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) should adopt health-promoting behaviors. Studies on health behavior in afflicted patients are scarce and comparability of study results is limited. To enlarge the body of evidence, we have developed the Health Behavior Scale-Congenital Heart Disease (HBS-CHD).Aims:We examined the psychometric properties of the HBS-CHD by providing evidence for (a) the content validity; (b) validity based on the relationships with other variables; (c) reliability in terms of stability; and (d) responsiveness.Methods:Ten experts rated the relevance of the HBS-CHD items. The item content validity index (I-CVI) and the averaged scale content validity index (S-CVI/Ave); the modified multi-rater Kappa and proportion of missing values for each question were calculated. Relationships with other variables were evaluated using six hypotheses that were tested in 429 adolescents with CHD. Stability of the instrument was assessed using Heise's method; and responsiveness was tested by calculating the Guyatt's Responsiveness Index (GRI).Results:Overall, 86.3% of the items had a good to excellent content validity; the S-CVI/Ave (0.81) and multi-rater Kappa (0.78) were adequate. The average proportion of missing values was low (1.2%). Because five out of six hypotheses were confirmed, evidence for the validity of the HBS-CHD based on relationships with other variables was provided. The stability of the instrument could not be confirmed based on our data. The GRI showed good to excellent capacity of the HBS-CHD to detect clinical changes in the health behavior over time.Conclusion:We found that the HBS-CHD is a valid and responsive questionnaire to assess health behaviors in patients with CHD.
European journal of cardiovascular nursing: journal of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Nursing of the European Society of Cardiology 01/2013;
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Journal of Research in Personality 01/2013; 47:159-170. · 2.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This chapter provides an overview of research on personal identity formation in the Low Countries (Belgium and The Netherlands). First we describe the broader societal context and specificities of Belgium and The Netherlands, then we move to a historical overview of the identity models that have been developed in these countries. Next, we discuss longitudinal findings on personal identity formation and the factors that are associated with individual differences in identity processes. Because both countries are ethnically diverse and Belgium is divided into Dutch-speaking and French-speaking regions, we also discuss the importance of social identity processes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development 12/2012; 2012(138):19-34. · 1.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Caring for adolescents with congenital heart disease requires attention to physical health but also to psychosocial functioning. Identifying how such psychosocial variables influence one another over time is important for designing health care strategies. The present study examined how depressive symptoms, loneliness, paternal and maternal support, and quality of life predicted one another. A total of 429 mid- to late adolescents with congenital heart disease (53.4 % boys) participated in a three-wave longitudinal study. Cross-lagged analyses indicated that depressive symptoms and loneliness mutually reinforced one another over time and led to relative decreases in quality of life. Paternal- and not so much maternal-support predicted relative decreases in depressive symptoms and loneliness and relative increases in quality of life. Maternal and paternal support, in turn, were negatively predicted by previous levels of adolescent depressive symptoms. In sum, important temporal sequences were uncovered potentially providing information for prevention and intervention targeting psychosocial functioning in adolescents with congenital heart disease.
Journal of Behavioral Medicine 11/2012; · 3.10 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Adolescence and young adulthood are characterized by important changes in personality, changes toward a more stable identity, and the establishment of intimate relationships. We examined the role of personality traits in establishing intimate relationships, the interplay between personality traits and interpersonal identity processes during these relationships, and the role of interpersonal identity processes and personality traits in the dissolution thereof. For this purpose, we used longitudinal data on 424 female college students (mean age at T1 = 18.6 years; Sample 1) and 390 late adolescents drawn from a community sample (56.7 % female; mean age at T1 = 19.7 years; Sample 2). Especially highly extraverted individuals were likely to become involved in a relationship. Neuroticism was associated negatively, and Agreeableness and Conscientiousness were associated positively with a stronger sense of interpersonal identity within intimate relationships. Finally, the importance of interpersonal identity processes was underscored by the fact that these processes, and not so much personality traits, predicted relational breakups. Overall, the present study provides important insights into the role of personality and identity in the initiation, maintenance, and dissolution of intimate relationships in late adolescence and young adulthood.
Journal of Youth and Adolescence 11/2012; · 2.72 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The present study was designed to ascertain the extent to which dimensions of acculturation would differ across personal identity statuses in a sample of 2,411 first- and second-generation, immigrant, college-attending emerging adults. Participants from 30 colleges and universities around the United States completed measures of personal identity processes, as well as of heritage and American cultural practices, values, and identifications. Cluster-analytic procedures were used to classify participants into personal identity statuses based on the personal identity processes. Results indicated that, across ethnic groups, individuals in the achieved and searching moratorium statuses reported the greatest endorsement of heritage and American cultural practices, values, and identifications; and individuals in the carefree diffusion status reported the lowest endorsement of all the cultural variables under study. These results are discussed in terms of the convergence between personal identity and cultural identity processes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).
Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology 11/2012; · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Personal identity formation represents a core developmental challenge for adolescents and young adults. Because much of the identity literature focuses on college students, it is necessary to conduct a detailed inquiry into the ways in which specific commitment and exploration processes develop over time for college students and for employed individuals. Two samples (456 college students and 318 employed individuals, respectively) were used to identify identity status trajectories over time and to examine external correlates of these trajectories (i.e., depressive symptoms, self-esteem, identity centrality, community integration, and sense of adulthood). Similar identity trajectories emerged in both college students and employed individuals. Four of these trajectories corresponded to Marcia’s identity statuses. In addition, apart from the “classical” or troubled diffusion trajectory, a carefree diffusion trajectory was also obtained. Whereas individuals on an identity achieved pathway fared best in terms of the outcome measures, individuals in the troubled diffusion trajectory fared worst in terms of self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and community integration over time. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
European Journal of Personality 10/2012; In press. · 2.44 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study investigated how the Big Five personality traits were related to quality of life and perceived health in adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD). Adolescents with CHD were selected from the database of paediatric and congenital cardiology of the University Hospitals Leuven. A total of 366 adolescents (15-20 years) participated; 364 were matched on sex and age with community controls. Adolescents' personality was assessed using the Quick Big Five, quality of life was measured using a Linear Analogue Scale and several domains of perceived health were assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Adolescents with CHD displayed similar Big Five levels as controls, except for a lower score on Extraversion. Whereas disease-specific domains of perceived health were mainly related to Emotional Stability, several traits contributed to patients' quality of life and generic perceived health. Hence, the present findings demonstrate that the Big Five is a valuable framework for examining linkages between personality and disease adaptation in chronic disease populations. Moreover, these findings underscore the importance of examining patients' personality to shed light on their daily functioning. Future research should explore potential mechanisms detailing how personality influences disease adaptation over time in these patients.
Psychology & Health 10/2012; · 1.69 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:: Identity formation has been found to relate to psychosocial and disease-specific functioning in chronically ill adolescents. Therefore, examining antecedent factors of identity formation in this population is needed. The main goal of the present longitudinal study was to examine how peer relationship quality influenced identity formation in adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD). METHOD:: Adolescents with CHD were selected from the database of pediatric and congenital cardiology of the University Hospitals Leuven. A total of 429 adolescents (14-18 years) with CHD participated at time 1; 401 were matched on gender and age with community controls recruited at secondary schools. Adolescents completed questionnaires on identity and peer relationship quality. Nine months later, at time 2, 382 patients again completed these questionnaires. RESULTS:: Adolescents with CHD were generally found to be as competent as controls in addressing the task of identity formation. Moreover, the importance of peer relationships for identity formation was demonstrated. Supportive peer relationships positively influenced the process of identifying with the identity commitments made. Furthermore, such relationships protected adolescents from getting stuck in the exploration process. Finally, reciprocal pathways were uncovered; a maladaptive exploration process was also found to negatively affect peer relationships. CONCLUSION:: The present study found peer relationship quality to be an important antecedent factor of identity formation in adolescents with CHD. Future research should investigate how changes in peer relationships and identity relate to well-being in these patients.
Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics: JDBP 10/2012; 33(8):625-632. · 2.27 Impact Factor
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European journal of cardiovascular nursing: journal of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Nursing of the European Society of Cardiology 09/2012; 11(3):261-2.
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ABSTRACT: The present study was designed to ascertain the extent to which dimensions of acculturation would
differ across personal identity statuses in a sample of 2,411, first and second generation immigrant
college‐attending emerging adults. Participants from 30 colleges and universities around the United
States completed measures of personal identity processes as well as of heritage and American cultural
practices, values, and identifications. Cluster‐analytic procedures were used to classify participants into
personal identity statuses based on the personal identity processes. Results indicated that, across ethnic
groups, individuals in the achieved and searching moratorium statuses reported the greatest
endorsement of heritage and American cultural practices, values, and identifications; and individuals in
the carefree diffusion status reported the lowest endorsement of all the cultural variables under study.
These results are discussed in terms of the convergence between personal identity and cultural identity
processes.
Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology 08/2012; In press. · 1.36 Impact Factor
