Title

Age Differences And Similarities In Identity Distress Following The Katrina Disaster: Theoretical And Applied Implications Of Erikson'S Theory

Keywords

Disaster; Identity distress; Lifespan development; Posttraumatic stress; Traumatic exposure

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. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Publication Date

12-1-2011

Publication Title

Journal of Adult Development

Volume

18

Issue

4

Number of Pages

184-191

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-011-9130-2

Socpus ID

82955201717 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/82955201717

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