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Age Differences and Similarities in Identity Distress Following the Katrina Disaster: Theoretical and Applied Implications of Erikson’s Theory

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Abstract

This study examined predictions from Erikson’s lifespan developmental theory in the context of severe disaster exposure. Relationships among traumatic stress exposure, age, identity distress, and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms were explored among 401 individuals (age 18–86, mean = 32.83, SD = 14.1 years) exposed to Hurricane Katrina. Traumatic exposure experiences were related to identity distress ratings, but results suggested that the association was a function of PTS symptoms. Identity distress was negatively correlated with age, but the association between identity distress and age was moderated by the level of PTS symptoms. Identity distress was associated with PTS symptoms even while controlling for general psychological symptoms. The utility of the identity distress construct and theoretical implications for identity research in the wake of disaster are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, University of Central Florida, Building #140, Suite #310, Daytona Beach campus, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA

    Rachel E. Wiley & Steven L. Berman

  2. University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Monica A. Marsee, Melinda F. Cannon & Carl F. Weems

  3. Psychology Department, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA

    Leslie K. Taylor

Authors
  1. Rachel E. Wiley
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  2. Steven L. Berman
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  3. Monica A. Marsee
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  4. Leslie K. Taylor
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  5. Melinda F. Cannon
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  6. Carl F. Weems
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Correspondence to Steven L. Berman.

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Wiley, R.E., Berman, S.L., Marsee, M.A. et al. Age Differences and Similarities in Identity Distress Following the Katrina Disaster: Theoretical and Applied Implications of Erikson’s Theory. J Adult Dev 18, 184–191 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-011-9130-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-011-9130-2

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