The Transformation from ‘I’ to ‘We’ as an Opportunity to Become an Adult
Poznańskie Studia Teologiczne
Anna Wieradzka, PhD · previously Wieradzka-Pilarczyk
Research that understands people.
Development with meaning.
I combine psychological research with university teaching, mentoring and evidence-informed developmental practice. My work focuses on religious identity, emerging adulthood, relational maturity, education and the psychological support of young athletes.
Researcher and lecturer at Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań · psychologist · theologian
“I am here to help people find their wings.
About
Where research meets the human person
I am a psychologist and theologian, a researcher and lecturer at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, as well as a coach and mentor.
I work in the Department of Philosophy and Dialogue at the Faculty of Theology. I developed the theoretical model and the Religious Identity Scale (STR). I also serve as Secretary of the Polish Association for Pastoral Psychology and coordinate the School of Catechists of the Archdiocese of Poznań.
My research sits at the intersection of development, values and relationships. I am particularly interested in how people move from exploration to commitment, how personal identity becomes relational maturity, and how evidence can support education, formation and sport.
Why I do this work
What matters most to me is the point at which knowledge moves beyond theory and helps people understand themselves, their relationships and the choices they make. I connect research with teaching, mentoring and psychological practice because development becomes meaningful when it can be lived in everyday life.
Earlier publications and academic records are indexed under the name Anna Wieradzka-Pilarczyk.
Research
Questions that matter
My work connects developmental and pastoral psychology, education, relational research and practical concern for human well-being.
religious identity development
emerging adulthood and maturity
relational maturity and readiness for marriage
religiosity, spirituality and dialogue
psychology of education and sport
prevention, resilience and well-being
Selected publications
Evidence for further dialogue
Profile of a Graduate of the School of Catechists — Between Theory and Practice
Poznańskie Studia Teologiczne · DOI
Family as an Area of Identity Formation
Teologia i Moralność · DOI
Problematic Mobile Phone Use — Diagnosis and Support Strategy
Research monograph · AMU Research Portal
The Maturity of People Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage
Teologia i Moralność · DOI
Research instrument
The Religious Identity Scale
The STR is a 33-item self-report instrument assessing five dynamic processes in religious identity development.
It examines exploration in breadth, exploration in depth, ruminative exploration, commitment making and identification with commitments. The instrument measures identity processes rather than the intensity of faith, orthodoxy, spiritual maturity or mental health.
International collaboration
Let us develop the next study together
I welcome collaboration with researchers and institutions working on identity, adulthood, relationships, religion, education and sport.
Cross-cultural research
Comparative studies on religious identity, emerging adulthood, relational maturity, values and development.
Scale adaptation and validation
Translation, cultural adaptation and further psychometric validation of the Religious Identity Scale.
Joint academic projects
Research proposals, publications, conference symposia, invited lectures and interdisciplinary initiatives.
Interested in a joint study, scale adaptation or academic event?
Start a conversationInternational academic activity
Emerging Adults on the Road to Maturity
As Chair of the Organising Committee, I co-created the 2026 international conference in Poznań, bringing together researchers of emerging adulthood from around the world.
Visit EA2026
Current work
Research that opens further questions
My current work focuses on religious identity, relational maturity and the psychological conditions that support the capacity to form lasting bonds.
I am revising the Religious Identity Scale, developing publications on emerging adulthood, and writing a book on relational narcissism and the limits of the capacity for marital commitment. These projects share one central question: what enables a person to move from “I” towards a mature “we”?
Contact
Begin with a conversation
If you see an opportunity for a joint study, publication, conference project or academic exchange, I would be glad to hear from you. Meaningful collaborations often begin with a single conversation.