Title
Age Differences and Similarities in Identity Distress Following the Katrina Disaster: Theoretical and Applied Implications of Erikson's Theory
Abbreviated Journal Title
J. Adult Dev.
Keywords
Identity distress; Traumatic exposure; Posttraumatic stress; Disaster; Lifespan development; POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER; MENTAL-HEALTH RESEARCH; ETHNIC-MINORITY; YOUTH; HURRICANE-KATRINA; SOCIAL SUPPORT; TRAIT ANXIETY; UNITED-STATES; SYMPTOMS; TRAUMA; CHILDREN; Psychology, Developmental
Abstract
This study examined predictions from Erikson's lifespan developmental theory in the context of severe disaster exposure. Relationships among traumatic stress exposure, age, identity distress, and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms were explored among 401 individuals (age 18-86, mean = 32.83, SD = 14.1 years) exposed to Hurricane Katrina. Traumatic exposure experiences were related to identity distress ratings, but results suggested that the association was a function of PTS symptoms. Identity distress was negatively correlated with age, but the association between identity distress and age was moderated by the level of PTS symptoms. Identity distress was associated with PTS symptoms even while controlling for general psychological symptoms. The utility of the identity distress construct and theoretical implications for identity research in the wake of disaster are discussed.
Journal Title
Journal of Adult Development
Volume
18
Issue/Number
4
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
184
Last Page
191
WOS Identifier
ISSN
1068-0667
Recommended Citation
"Age Differences and Similarities in Identity Distress Following the Katrina Disaster: Theoretical and Applied Implications of Erikson's Theory" (2011). Faculty Bibliography 2010s. 2092.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2010/2092
Comments
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