Being me: Content and context in South African adolescents’ identity development

Abstract

This study explored the evaluative nature, relational orientation, and salience of various domain-specific content areas in the identity narratives of an under-researched group of adolescents and emerging adults living in central South Africa. Participants (N = 281; male 50.55%, female 49.45%; MAge = 18.17) completed the Twenty Statements Test. Narrative coding followed by χ2 tests revealed that participants’ statements were biased towards desirable qualities, balanced on the independent-interdependent continuum and, with regard to domain-specific content, focused mostly on social qualities; hobbies, sport, and interests; as well as the values of respect and work ethic. Females associated more than males with altruistic social statements, emotional aspects, and values such as self-confidence. More males referred to sport, hobbies, and general interests, as well as school, studies, and future occupation. Emerging adults placed a higher priority on interactive and altruistic social qualities, while adolescents were more focused on intellectual / cognitive qualities and physical traits.