Citation

Schwartz SJ, Forthun LF, Ravert RD, Zamboanga BL, Umaña-Taylor AJ, Filton BJ, Kim SY, Rodriguez L, Weisskirch RS, Vernon M, Shneyderman Y, Williams MK, Agocha VB, Hudson M. Am. J. Health Behav. 2010; 34(2): 214-224.

Affiliation

Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, PNG Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19814601

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the protective role of personal identity consolidation against health risk behaviors in college-attending emerging adults. Methods: A multisite sample of 1546 college students completed measures of personal identity consolidation and recent risk behavior engagement. Results: Multivariate Poisson regression indicated that personal identity consolidation was negatively related to binge drinking, illicit drug use, sexual risk behaviors, and risky driving. These findings were consistent across gender, ethnicity, and place of residence. Conclusions: A consolidated sense of personal identity may protect college-attending emerging adults from health-compromising behaviors. Health professionals could incorporate an identity development component into college health programming.

Language: en