Configurations of Attachment and Individuation and Differences in Self-Concept Clarity and Career Adaptability in Korean Emerging Adulthood

This study identified person-centered configurations of attachment and individuation among Korean university students and investigated differences in self-concept clarity and career adaptability across the identified profiles. Six distinct profiles were identified from a sample of 495 participants. The parent attachment-oriented balanced development profile was the most prevalent. Self-concept clarity was highest in the high attachment and low individuation profile and the peer attachment-oriented balanced development profile. Regarding career adaptability, the high attachment and low individuation , peer-attached individuation , and peer attachment-oriented balanced development profiles demonstrated the highest levels. These findings provide unique insights into the configurations of attachment and individuation of Korean university students and emphasize the importance of considering both parental and peer attachments, along with individuation, to better understand psychosocial adjustment during emerging adulthood.