The Relationship between Identity, Self- Esteem and Meaning in Life among Late Adolescent Women

Abstract

Late adolescence represents a period of transition, involving new experiences such as the entrance into college. This presents an opportunity for identity development, especially among women since there has been a growth of choices in the educational and occupational fields. The study explores the relationship between identity processing style, identity commitment, identity orientation, self- esteem and meaning in life. The Identity Style Inventory, Aspects of Identity Questionnaire IV, Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale and Meaning in Life Questionnaire were given to a sample of 199 late adolescent women in the age range of 17-20 years. The results show that significant relationships are present between the identity constructs and self- esteem and meaning in life.