The Impact of Social Context on the Identity-Formation Process of Norwegian Late Adolescents

Abstract

This study compares the identity-formation process for Norwegian adolescents across three vocational contexts: university students, employed youths, and unemployed youths. An adaptation of Marcia's Identity Status Interview was administered to the participants, aged 18 to 24 years. All groups indicated work to be of primary importance to their sense of identity. A narrative analysis of vocational and family interview domains found that three general factors initiate identity transitions in different ways across the vocational groupings: qualities of the vocational environment, the influence of significant others, and the experience of obstacles.