Association Between Self-Criticism and Dependency with the Individual Endorsement of Criteria for Adulthood Among Emerging Adult University Students

摘要

This study explored the association of self-critic and dependent personality traits with the individual endorsement of criteria for adulthood among 622 Italian emerging adult university students (M (age) = 21.7; age ranged from 18 to 28; 76.2 % women). Moreover, we did so controlling for participants' relationship status (single or in a relationship), working condition (full-time student or working student), and living arrangements (living at parents' house or living away from parents' house). Results showed that higher dependency was associated with higher endorsement of criteria for adulthood related to family values, obligations to others, and compliance with societal norms. Conversely, higher self-criticism was associated with lower endorsement of criteria related to societal norms. Results confirm the negative interpersonal attitude of self-critical individuals and suggest that dependency may be related to the acquisition of other-related attitudes among emerging adults.