| Abstract | Background:
The significance of an identity, or identity centrality, plays a key role in the relationship between identity and well-being. Despite the significance of young adulthood for identity development, there is limited research exploring the role of identity centrality for well-being and help-seeking among young adults. Importantly, little research has explored the subjective experience of identity in relation to these factors for this population. Aims:
This thesis aims to explore the qualitative experience of the relationship between identity centrality and both well-being and help-seeking among young adults. Methods:
A mixed-methods cross-sectional design focused on responses to an online survey (N = 297). This thesis is focused on a reflexive thematic analysis conducted on responses to a qualitative survey exploring the role of identity centrality in relation to well-being and help-seeking (N = 50). Results:
Themes developed described the role of identity for forming connections (with the self, others, and the importance of the security and clarity of these connections), how identity is shaped by social expectations (morals and values, social roles, societal narratives), and the role of discrimination in relation to identity (impact on the relationship to the identity, barriers to accessing help). Responses highlighted nuanced factors impacting identity centrality not captured by the present literature, including i) the roles of explicit (hierarchical significance) and implicit (salience) identity centrality, ii) differences in the operation of identity centrality across minoritised and majoritised identities, iii) the roles of identity security, clarity, and societal versus personal value of an identity, iv) the significance of morals, values, and personal characteristics as artefacts of identity, v) the deployment of protective strategies following discrimination, and vi) the developmental significance of young adulthood. Conclusion:
These findings have significant implications for promoting well-being and help-seeking among young adults and for the development of the identity centrality literature. |
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