Identity Styles and Social Adaptation in Emerging Adulthood: The Mediating Role of Coping Styles and the Moderating Role of Tolerance for Uncertainty

Self-identity construction and social adaptation are critical issues for emerging adults. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced significant uncertainties and posed additional challenges for young people navigating the process of identity formation. This study, grounded in the Identity Process Model, examines how emerging adults' identity styles influence social adaptation, as well as the mediating roles of coping styles and Tolerance of uncertainty. A sample of 439 college students (Mage = 21.72, SDage = 2.20) completed self-report questionnaires. The moderated mediation analyses showed that the mediating effects of coping styles on the relationship between identity style and social adaptation were influenced by emerging adults' Tolerance of uncertainty. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of psychological development in emerging adults and provide valuable guidance for fostering their social adaptation, especially in the context of sudden adverse experiences.