Individuality in Young and Middle Adulthood: An Autophotographic Study

Developmental theories and recent examinations of adult self descriptions across the life span (e.g., G. Labouvie-Vief, L. M. Chiodo, L. A. Goguen, M. Diehl & L. Orwoll, 1995a,b) indicate that the self becomes more unique, individualistic, and complex with age. We further examined this developmental trend, using autophotographic essays (words and photos answering the broad question “who are you”) obtained from 844 adults (ages 18–54). The essays were rated for levels of individuality or richness of self-depiction. That is, the photo essays were used as a medium for operationalizing self-construals that are uniquely creative, abstract, self-reflective, and multidimensional. The photo essays of middle-aged participants reflected more individuality than did those of younger participants. Correspondingly, we observed more photographs of achievement themes, religious sentiments, working, creative products, and negative affect in the middle-age photo essays but fewer photos of self-smiling, others smiling, alcohol, athletics, and music. Results provide further evidence for greater uniqueness, interiority, and seriousness of purpose—all suggestive of individuality—in adulthood.