Parent–Child Relationship Patterns and Identity Development Among Latvian Emerging Adults: Evidence From Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Analyses

Emerging adulthood is a distinct developmental period characterized by intensive identity exploration and changing parent–child relationships among youth. This study examined associations between perceived parent–child relationship patterns and identity development using variable-centered and person-centered approaches. Data were collected from 408 emerging adults (M age = 21.20, SD = 2.83) using the Latvian versions of the Perceptions of Parents Scale and the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale. Identity commitment dimensions were positively associated with maternal autonomy support and all paternal relationship dimensions, whereas ruminative exploration was negatively associated with these dimensions. Seven distinct parent–child relationship clusters, including symmetrical and asymmetrical family profiles, were identified. However, identity status membership did not differ significantly across relationship clusters. Overall, need-supportive parenting was associated with stronger identity commitments and lower maladaptive rumination, suggesting that identity development during emerging adulthood is a complex, multi-contextual process that is also shaped by influences extending beyond the family context.