IDENTITY STYLES IN EMERGING ADULTHOOD: THE ROLE OF PERFECTIONISM AND PERSONAL GROWTH INITIATIVE

Abstract

Introduction: The formation of a stable identity plays an important role throughout life, but it becomes a key
developmental task during the period of adolescence and emerging adulthood.
Objective: Examine the role of different dimensions of perfectionism and personal growth initiative in the
explanation of identity styles in emerging adulthood.
Method: A total of 228 participants (28 male and 200 female) between the ages of 18 and 28 from Bosnia
and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro took part in the research. The data was collected by filling
out an online questionnaire that used the Identity Style Inventory, the Positive and Negative Perfectionism
Scale and the Personal Growth Initiative Scale.
Results: Young men scored higher on Positive perfectionism and Intentional behavior than young women.
A significant positive association of the Diffuse-avoidant identity style with Negative perfectionism was
obtained, as well as its negative association with all personal growth initiative components. Informational
and Normative style were positively related to both components of perfectionism, with the fact that
Informational style was also positively related to all personal growth initiative components. Lower Positive
and higher Negative perfectionism proved to be significant predictors of the Diffuse style, while higher
Positive and Negative perfectionism predicted Informational and Normative style.
Conclusion: Different components of perfectionism and personal growth initiative significantly contribute
to the process of identity formation in emerging adulthood.