Adolescents in different contexts:the exploration of identity through possible selves.

Abstract

The research studied the role of context in identity exploration during adolescence. In particular, the research investigated whether the belonging to an 'at risk' context has an impact on self-perception construction as well as on possible-selves exploration. Two questionnaires - Self Perception Profile for Adolescents (SPPA, Harter, 1985) and Possible Selves Questionnaire (PSQ, Oyserman & Markus, 1990) - were administered to 105 participants (21% male and 79% female) from an Italian city (Naples), aged between 14 - 18. Youths were taken from two sub-samples which were distinguished by life contexts. This research used a mixed approach. The results showed different productions of possible selves in function of the context, thus agreeing with our hypothesis. The impact of context was more evident in the dimension of the feared self, in particular for the 'at risk' participants. The role played by the feared self in the identity construction of participants belonging to the "at risk" context was complex. The results are useful in planning intervention projects for the 'at risk' schools.

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