Papers by Mandy van der Gaag
PsycTESTS Dataset, 2016
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We investigate intra-individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longi... more We investigate intra-individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longitudinal design in the general context of higher education, we explore associations between changes in pivotal identity concepts: commitment and exploration and elaborate on how we conceptualize these concepts on a micro level. With our within-individual empirical approach, we revealed a large amount of variation between individuals with respect to the associations between exploration and commitment processes. At the same time, similarities were found amongst individuals, which help extend and clarify existing findings regarding identity development. Our findings highlight the necessity to, firstly, distinguish between micro-and macro-level identity processes. Secondly, and in the same vein, our findings emphasize the heterogeneous nature of micro-level identity processes, and the necessity to use a within individual approach to study these processes. Introduction Since Erikson formulated his theory on adolescent identity development in 1968, many perspectives have been taken on what identity actually is, and how it develops over time. Because of the difficulty in translating such a complex, abstract construct as identity into something that can be measured in many ways, questions on what identity is and how it develops are still relevant. This is true even after more than half a century of both qualitative and quantitative identity research (e.g. Syed & McLean, 2015). In this article, we aim to further understanding and stimulate discussion on micro-level processes (which contrast macro-level processes) of identity development (Lichtwarck-Aschoff, Van Geert, Bosma, & Kunnen, 2008). Building on the work of Klimstra et al. (2010) we elaborate the conceptualization and operationalization of identity on a micro-level, specifically in the domain of education/career choice. In our empirical study we explore associations between micro-level change processes of exploration and commitment within individuals. Macro and micro approaches to identity processes There is both a lot and little known about identity development, depending on the feature of identity that is the focus. A lot is known about what Lichtwarck-Aschoff et al. (2008) termed the 'macro-level' feature of identity development. This feature
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Papers by Mandy van der Gaag