ORCID

0009-0009-8034-2185

Keywords

Trauma, Attachment Quality, Identity, Posttraumatic Growth, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Traumatic experiences have been shown to influence identity development during emerging adulthood, a complex developmental period. However, research examining how trauma interacts with adolescent attachment qualities to shape identity processes remains limited. Previous studies have primarily focused on infant attachment styles and their long-term developmental outcomes, leaving a gap in understanding how attachment qualities developed through relationships with parents and peers during adolescence may influence identity development in emerging adults. Additionally, while traumatic experiences have been associated with maladaptive identity processes such as rumination and identity distress, some research suggests that trauma may also contribute to deeper identity exploration and personal growth. This thesis examined how trauma severity relates to identity development in emerging adults, while also considering the role of adolescent attachment to parents and peers, and their associations with posttraumatic outcomes. The sample (N = 432) consisted of young adults from a large, Florida, metropolitan university. Individuals who reported experiencing severe trauma scored significantly higher in self-rumination and identity distress while reporting greater exploration in depth compared to those who did not support severe trauma. Trauma severity significantly predicted higher levels of self-rumination, identity distress, and exploration in breadth, and was positively associated with both PTSD symptoms and posttraumatic growth. Higher parental attachment was associated with lower maladaptive identity processes and greater commitment-related identity development. Similarly, higher peer attachment was associated with lower identity distress and greater adaptive identity exploration and commitment. Moderation effects were limited, with peer attachment interacting with trauma severity in predicting commitment making. Identity distress and self-critical rumination partially mediated the relationship between trauma severity and PTSD symptoms, whereas exploration in depth partially mediated the relationship between trauma severity and posttraumatic growth. Further analyses and implications are discussed.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Berman, Steven L.

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Identifier

DP0053157

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