Impact of environmental insecurity on the development of adolescent identity: A longitudinal study

This longitudinal study investigates the dynamic relationship between environmental insecurity and adolescent identity development over a three-year period. A diverse sample of 500 adolescents (ages 13-17；250 boys and 250 girls) completed assessments at six-month intervals, measuring environmental insecurity, identity development, resilience, and social support. Latent growth curve modeling revealed distinct trajectories in both environmental insecurity and identity development. Cross-lagged panel analysis demonstrated a significant bidirectional relationship between these constructs, with environmental insecurity negatively predicting subsequent identity development (β = -0.21, p < .001) and vice versa (β = -0.15, p < .001). Structural equation modeling identified resilience and social support as partial mediators of this relationship. Socioeconomic status moderated the impact of environmental insecurity on identity development (β = 0.12, p < .01), with higher Socio-Economic Status (SES) buffering against negative effects. Gender differences were observed, with females showing greater sensitivity to environmental insecurity. These findings underscore the complex interplay between environmental factors and adolescent identity formation, highlighting the importance of considering both risk and protective factors in understanding this developmental process. The results have implications for theories of adolescent development and suggest the need for targeted interventions to support positive identity formation in challenging environmental contexts.