Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Rodger K. Bufford
Second Advisor
Winston Seegobin
Third Advisor
Susan L. O’Donnell
Abstract
This study explored important factors that may influence an individual’s level of civic engagement in early adulthood. Associations between parenting style, personal identity dimensions, and ethnic identity were explored, as each can have a significant influence on one’s political identity (Wray-Lake et al., 2020; Yates & Youniss, 1998). Participants were 231 undergraduate students from a small liberal arts university with a mean age of 20.0 years. Measures used include the Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran–Short Form (s-EMBU) (Arrindell et al., 1999), the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS) (Luyckx et al., 2008), the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure—Revised (MEIM-R) (Phinney & Ong, 2007), the Civic Engagement Quiz (CEQ) (Andolina et al., 2003; Smith et al., 2009), modified for online administration by Fenn and colleagues (2023), and the Civic Engagement Scale (CES) (Doolittle & Faul, 2013). Scale means were reported, and t-tests and intercorrelations were conducted to further examine relationships between variables. Hypotheses were evaluated by conducting hierarchical regression analyses. Results indicated the presence of significant relationships between identity development and civic engagement, with small effect sizes. Perceived parenting style and identity development were associated with civic engagement. Commitment making and identification with commitment were positively related to civic engagement. Ruminative exploration was not related to civic engagement. Ethnic identity search and ethnic identity affirmation/belonging/commitment were both positively correlated with civic engagement. These results show that identity development is a notable factor when considering civic engagement in emerging adults.
Recommended Citation
Ram, Manesha Shalom, "Examining the Associations Between Civic Engagement, Parenting Style, and Identity Development" (2024). Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). 585.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/psyd/585