Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

8-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Psychology

Major Professor

Deborah P. Welsh

Committee Members

Kristina C. Gordon, Kirsten A. Gonzalez, Leia K. Cain

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is a critical period for identity development. Emerging adults who date outside of their social identity groups (e.g., race, class, sexual orientation) must negotiate issues related to identity difference in their relationships while exploring and refining their own identities. The current study explored the messages emerging adults receive about their own identities and the ways in which they navigate identity-related issues within inter-identity relationships. Undergraduate inter-identity couples (N = 25 couples; N = 50 participants) participated in a semi-structured interview regarding their individual and dyadic experiences of identity. Thematic analysis yielded four themes related to messages individuals receive about their identities (acceptance of identity, discrimination and judgment on the basis of identity, family modeling of identity-related behaviors and attitudes, and majority identity privilege) and five themes related to identity-related negotiations in romantic relationships (supportive conversations and behavior, identity-related conflict, assuming elements of partner’s identity, exploration of partner’s culture, and implications of identity for the relationship in the future). Findings highlight the benefit of inter-identity romantic relationships for overall emerging adult identity development. Implications for clinical work with individuals, couples, and families are discussed.

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