INTRODUCTION: Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental period for identity consolidation and career preparation, yet lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) emerging adults often face intersecting challenges during this stage. Using a person-centered approach, this study explored heterogeneity in developmental experiences among LGB emerging adults and examined how these experiences relate to career agency, conceptualized as work volition. METHODS: Data from 270 Korean LGB college students (202 women, 68 men) collected in 2023, were analyzed to identify distinct profiles based on perceived discrimination, social support, and sexual identity development status. Profile differences in career agency and demographic predictors of profile membership were also examined. RESULTS: Five distinct profiles emerged: Identity-Affirmed but Socially Isolated, Marginalized and Unsupported, Socially Supported-Emerging Identity, Adaptive, and Empowered. Profiles characterized by higher social support and more advanced identity development reported greater work volition. Gender predicted profile membership, with men overrepresented in profiles reflecting lower relational and identity resources. CONCLUSIONS: Findings reveal diverse developmental pathways among LGB emerging adults, underscoring the protective roles of social support and identity integration in career agency. These results highlight the importance of promoting affirming relationships and identity development to support positive transitions into adulthood and career development.
Jeongeun Park (Wed,) studied this question.