ABSTRACT
The chapter undertakes the issue of uncertainty management and identity formation of Polish young adults at the end of the second decennium of the 21st century. The research targeted 230 individuals who came from different parts of Poland to study in Cracow. The main goal of the survey was to identify and analyse uncertainty management strategies applied by young adults (18–24 years old) in their lives. In particular, the following issues are discussed: ways of appraising uncertainty (assessment), ways of obtaining information in order to reduce uncertainty, emotional and practical response to uncertainty. The research aims to answer two basic questions: (1) Are there any specific strategies (ways) of uncertainty management applied by the respondents? (2) Is there a correlation between the uncertainty management strategy applied by a person and the formation of their process of self-identification? These issues seem relevant especially for young people in transition to adulthood. Young adults may redefine their own identity due to several changes stemming from a new social and cultural environment, changing lifestyle (studies and work), changing personal networks (peers, teachers, employers), etc. Additional context for the research analysis comes from the dynamics of the international processes, such as, the acceleration of globalisation, intensifying mobility and migrations, and contentions within the EU. These aspects may also have an impact on the identity formation of young adults in the process of uncertainty management.
