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G070620N#55523498

Abstract:

Identity formation is a central task in adolescence and emerging adulthood, in which youth navigate multiple roles, values, and beliefs to construct a coherent sense of self (Erikson, 1968). Adolescents who struggle with this identity formation process appear to be more vulnerable to developing various pathological symptoms as they attempt to establish a coherent identity (Kaufman et al., 2014). In addition to identity development, changing bodily experiences are prominent from late childhood to emerging adulthood, including changes in appearance, sensations, and bodily functions, which may also have an important impact on how youth perceive themselves and form their identity (Daniels & Gillen, 2015; Erikson, 1968; Kling et al., 2018). Accordingly, previous research has shown that identity functioning is particularly associated with body-related psychopathology, such as eating disorder symptoms or non-suicidal self-injury (Gandhi et al., 2017; Verschueren et al., 2018). However, although Erikson (1968) suggested that a fragile sense of self may also be associated with somatic symptoms, research examining the relationship between the developmental task of identity formation and somatic symptoms is lacking. Given that children, adolescents, and emerging adults often struggle with body-related psychopathological symptoms, such as somatic symptoms (e.g., pain, dizziness, fatigue) and eating disorder symptoms (Bohman et al., 2018; Quick & Byrd-Bredbenner, 2013), it is important that research addresses developmental transdiagnostic factors related to and potentially contributing to body-related psychopathological symptoms during these challenging life periods. To extend current knowledge on the relationship between identity formation and (body-related) pathological symptoms, the present doctoral project aims to examine this relationship through multiple cross-sectional and longitudinal studies focusing on the developmental periods of (late) childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood. Specifically, we aim to address three main research objectives. The first objective is to investigate the relationship between identity formation and somatic symptoms and symptom-related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to examine the potential mediating role of negative affect in this relationship. The second objective of the current project addresses the overarching transdiagnostic role of identity formation in relation to various psychopathological symptoms and behaviors (targeting the body). Finally, the third objective examines the relationships among body-related symptoms, with a specific focus on eating disorder symptoms, somatic symptoms, and symptom-related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors during late childhood and adolescence. Thus, the overall goal of the current project is to elucidate identity as a potential common factor underlying different (body-related) psychopathological symptoms in community youth and to improve our understanding of how body-related symptoms are related to each other. Insight in these factors can help us to better prevent and treat these symptoms.