Browsing by Subject "identiteettihäiriö"

Objectives: Happiness is considered to be a major life goal. Moreover, experienced happiness has a positive influence on many life domains. Psychological factors, such as personality and identity, seem to be significant components in human well-being and happiness. Identity diffusion has been linked to several adverse phenomena, such as mental disorders. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between identity diffusion and experienced happiness as well as their prevalence at the population level. In addition, this study aimed to examine whether the possible relationship between identity diffusion and experienced happiness persists when the effects of demographic factors and psychiatric disorders are controlled. Methods: The current study utilized a comprehensive English cross-sectional data set. The study sample consisted of 6,058 participants, of which 58 % were women. The relationship between identity diffusion and experienced happiness was examined by using logistic regression analysis. Controlled variables were demographic factors, borderline personality disorder, conduct disorder, and common mental disorders. Results and Conclusions: Greater levels of identity diffusion were associated with lower levels of experienced happiness. Common mental disorders partly explained the association, especially in the presence of severe identity diffusion, also known as identity disturbance. As much as 23 % of the population had experienced symptoms related to identity diffusion, and 2 % of them filled the criteria for identity disturbance. Identity diffusion and related identity disturbance are not only associated with psychiatric symptoms, but they are also associated with lower levels of experienced happiness. Using early interventions and addressing support actions to promote healthy identity development may contribute to individual’s emotional well-being and prevent later psychiatric symptoms.