Motive-Driven Interpersonal Identity Development: Moderating Effects of Perceived Parenting Quality and Sense of Self-Determination

Abstract

Living and acting in line with one's implicit motives fosters peoples’ well-being across a wide array of cultural contexts. Yet, not all individuals commit to goals that reflect their implicit motives. Research points to resources that relate to congruence of implicit and explicit motives. We hypothesized that such resources also relate to motive-congruent identity development. In detail, we assumed that perceived parenting quality (Study 1) and sense of self-determination (Study 2) moderate the relationship between the implicit need for affiliation and dimensions of identity development in the interpersonal domain of friendship. Evidence supporting our assumptions was found in both studies: Among adolescents who reported low levels of parenting quality higher levels of the implicit affiliation motive were associated with lower levels of commitment and higher levels of reconsideration of commitment (Study 1). Moreover, a positive association between the implicit affiliation motive and commitment was verified for adolescents who were high in self-determination (Study 2). Less straightforward findings on in-depth exploration point to the Janus-faced nature of exploration processes. To conclude, the implicit need for affiliation seems to play a crucial role in interpersonal identity development if particular social and personal resources are available. Implications for future research are discussed.