ResearchReviewEvidence: Large study or reviewAges 12–18
The Study of Adolescent Identity Formation 2000-2010: A Review of Longitudinal Research
Author or publisher Meeus, Journal of Research on Adolescence Published 2011 Reviewed by eduStack editors Last checked 13 Nov 2026
1What the study found
Long-term studies show identity develops gradually through adolescence and into adulthood, and is a less turbulent process than often assumed. Teens with a more settled identity tend to be better adjusted and to live in warm families.
2Sources and check record
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-7795.2010.00716.x Meeus, Journal of Research on Adolescence. The Study of Adolescent Identity Formation 2000-2010: A Review of Longitudinal Research. 2011. doi:10.1111/j.1532-7795.2010.00716.x Last checked · 13 Nov 2026