Exploring Identity Development in a Summer Residential Camp for Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood that is characterized by constant change. One of the major developmental tasks youth must address during this period is identity formation. The process of identity formation is aided by youth being exposed to more complex social and academic tasks of life during this period. Organized activities are often linked to positive identity development. However, there exists a need to investigate identity development more broadly across recreation experiences. Studies point to a wide variety of experiences (e.g., sports, creative activities, adventure activities) that positively impact youth identity. Youth residential camps offer campers a variety of experiences, and these settings are often identified as places where youth are positively impacted. The purpose of this study was to examine identity development within the context of a residential summer camp for girls. A convenience sample of adolescent girls (N = 83) from a camp in southwestern Virginia completed the sixth grade reading level version of the Identity Styles Inventory (ISI-6G) on their first and last day of camp to measure their identity styles (informational, normative, and diffuse/avoidant). This study used repeated measures ANOVA and multiple regression analyses to test if changes in identity style scores from pre- to post-test were linked to camp participation, length of stay at camp, and participation in adventurous activities. Results indicated that there were no significant mean increases in identity style scores when considering camp participation. Furthermore, there were no between group differences when considering length of camp or participation in challenging activities. These findings demonstrate the importance of determining what elements of environments and activities contribute to identity development. A review of elements that affect identity styles in adolescents is offered as a starting point for those seeking to assess how recreational programs impact identity styles.