Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026
07:30
Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
7.9K
Identity exploration and commitment in early adolescence: Genetic and environmental contributions
Noam Markovitch1, Koen Luyckx2, Theo Klimstra3
1Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Developmental Psychology
|November 3, 2017
Summary
Genetic factors influence adolescent identity formation, with individual differences in commitment making and exploration partly heritable. Environmental factors also play a significant role, particularly shared environmental influences on discussing commitments.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Adolescent identity formation is a critical developmental stage.
- Individual differences in identity exploration and commitment are significant but their origins are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic and environmental contributions to various dimensions of identity formation in early adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 571 11-year-old twins (monozygotic and dizygotic) from the Longitudinal Israeli Study of Twins.
- Assessed identity formation using the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS).
- Employed multidimensional scaling and confirmatory factor analysis to examine genetic and environmental influences.
Main Results:
- Identified five dimensions of identity formation present in 11-year-olds: commitment making, exploration in-breadth, ruminative exploration, identification with commitment, and exploration in-depth.
- Demonstrated significant genetic influence (18-45%) on most identity dimensions, with the remainder attributed to nonshared environmental effects (55-82%).
- Found shared environmental influence (21%) but no genetic effect on the tendency to explore commitments through discussion.
Conclusions:
- Individual differences in identity formation during early adolescence are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
- Specific aspects of identity exploration, like discussing commitments, are more susceptible to shared environmental influences.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay of nature and nurture in shaping adolescent identity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
608
Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
608
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
349
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
349
01:17Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
1.3K
Erik Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development, "identity versus role confusion," is crucial during adolescence (ages 12 to 18). In this stage, adolescents face the developmental task of forging a distinct personal identity, a process influenced by social, psychological, and biological changes typical of this period. Adolescents naturally explore different roles, behaviors, and ideologies as they navigate complex questions of self-concept, asking, "Who am I?" and "What is my place in...
1.3K
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
1.2K
Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
1.2K
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
5.8K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
5.8K
01:18Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
199
Self-esteem, a crucial component of psychological development, is significantly shaped by familial experiences. The early parent-child relationship serves as a foundational influence on a child's self-concept, with long-lasting effects extending into adolescence and adulthood.Parental Behaviors and Early Self-Esteem FormationEmpirical studies have identified four principal parental behaviors that foster healthy self-esteem in children. These include expressions of acceptance, affection, and...
199