Profiles of Adolescent Identity Development: Responses to an Intervention for Alcohol/Other Drug Problems

• NCJ Number: 227229
• Journal: Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: April-June 2009 Pages: 132-149
• Author(s): Larry F. Forthun Ph.D.; Marilyn J. Montgomery Ph.D.
• Date Published: April 2009
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined identity development among adolescents who participated in an after-school alcohol/other drug (AOD) abuse intervention program (8 females and 12 males, 14-17 years old), in order to identify how identity development was linked to intervention success.

Abstract

Five identity profiles emerged as a best fit to the data. The "Identity Restructuring" profile (three females and three males) was characterized by a period of re-examination and challenging of existing negative identity commitments. Most in this profile group acknowledged that their AOD use had become a "problem" when they entered the program, and they expressed a desire to change their AOD use. Not all the Identity Restructuring adolescents were successful at remaining abstinent throughout the program; however, when relapses did occur, they were viewed as obstacles to overcome rather than as barriers to progress. The "Unexamined Commitments" profile (two males and two females) was characterized by relatively low levels of self-exploration and strong, stable identity commitments. This profile group did not acknowledge an AOD problem upon entering the program, and they had difficulty recognizing the importance of abstinence from AOD use. The "Exaggerated Autonomy" profile (three males) was similar to the Unexamined Commitments profile in having rigid identity commitments; however, unlike the Unexamined Commitments youth, the adolescents with this profile had a conflict with their parents that resulted in autonomy from their parents. The "Self-Focused Rumination" profile (one female and two males) was characterized by the struggle to balance growing autonomy with emotional needs for family support; and the "Diffuse" profile (two males and two females) expressed little exploration in any identity domain and had made few meaningful identity commitments. The intervention was most beneficial for the youth with flexibility in exploration and a commitment to change unwanted identities that were creating problems for them. 36 references