Type of Document	Dissertation
Author	Nalls, Ali Mercedes
Author's Email Address	mnalls@fsu.edu
URN	etd-04112011-134220
Title	The Role of Siblings in the Identity Formation Process of Emerging Adults
Degree	Doctor of Philosophy
Department	Family and Child Sciences, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Ronald L. Mullis Committee Chair Ann K. Mullis Committee Member Marsha Rehm Committee Member Patrice Iatarola University Representative
Keywords	Online Discussions College Students Identity Agents
Date of Defense	2011-03-28
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract The primary goal of the current study was to explore who emerging adults consult regarding their identity issues and to explore the characteristics of emerging adults who consult siblings. Another goal was to examine the advice and support of siblings and peers related to the career and educational goals of emerging adults. A mixed method approach was used. The sample consisted of 396 students with a smaller subsample asked to participate in an online discussion forum with their sibling (N = 43) or peers (N = 24). Online discussions were analyzed for concepts and themes related to types of advice or informational support given to aid a sibling or peer in their identity formation process. Participants reported seeking the most advice from friends, parents, significant others, and siblings regarding long term goals and careers. Participants reported seeking advice from siblings the most regarding long term goals. Regarding the demographic and identity formation characteristics of participants who reported frequently consulting siblings, the number of siblings reported was the strongest predictor followed by the normative and diffuse-avoidant identity styles. Related to patterns found in sibling and peer advice, no differences were found with both groups providing cognitive-emotional and behavioral advice in their feedback posts. Student participants and related siblings ascribed a more important role to siblings over peers in their identity formation processes. The need for further research on siblings as identity agents was discussed.
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