Gabler S, Festini JS, Herschmann L, Spangler G (2025)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2025
Book Volume: 7
Pages Range: 121-136
Journal Issue: 2-3
DOI: 10.1177/25161032251324860
Background: Adolescents in foster care often have had risk factors and critical life events in their biographies. However, little is known about their coping with developmental tasks and psychosocial adjustment in adolescence. The current study examines the identity development and problem burden of adolescents in out-of-home care compared to a control group. Methods: The sample consists of 30 adolescents, living in foster families and their biological families. The control group was matched with regard to gender, age and school education. The youths were between 13 and 17 years old. We examined adolescents’ identity dimensions using the Utrecht-Management of Identity Commitments Scale (Crocetti et al., 2010). Psychosocial adjustment was assessed using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman et al., 2003). Results: Our findings indicate a significantly lower commitment in foster adolescents compared to the control group. No differences were found in reconsideration of commitment and exploration. Various dimensions of identity development were associated with the problem burden. Discussion: Results indicate that adolescents in foster care were faced with challenges in coping with the central developmental task of identity formation. Identity development, especially in terms of commitment, seems to be more complex for youths living in foster homes. Hence, supporting services should pay attention to foster adolescents’ needs regarding their identity development, long-term perspectives and constructing a coherent autobiographical story.
APA:
Gabler, S., Festini, J.S., Herschmann, L., & Spangler, G. (2025). “Who Am I?”: Identity development and psychosocial adjustment in foster adolescents – A brief report. Developmental Child Welfare, 7(2-3), 121-136. https://doi.org/10.1177/25161032251324860
MLA:
Gabler, Sandra, et al. "“Who Am I?”: Identity development and psychosocial adjustment in foster adolescents – A brief report." Developmental Child Welfare 7.2-3 (2025): 121-136.
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