Identity Formation in Early and Middle Adolescents From Various Ethnic Groups: From Three Dimensions to Five Statuses

• NCJ Number: 223688
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 37 Issue: 8 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 983-996
• Author(s): Elisabetta Crocetti; Monica Rubini; Koen Luyckx; Wim Meeus
• Date Published: September 2008
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This Dutch study determined identity statuses for 1,952 early and middle adolescents based on 3 identity processes: commitment, indepth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment.

Abstract

Based on measurements of these identity processes, participants were placed into five identity clusters derived from Marcia. The "achievement" cluster (n=196) was composed of adolescents who scored high on commitment and indepth exploration but low on reconsideration of commitment. This cluster is characterized by a period of active exploration leading to a firm identity commitment. The "foreclosure" cluster (n=621) consisted of individuals with moderately high scores on commitment, medium scores on indepth exploration, and low scores on reconsideration of commitment. This cluster is characterized by strong commitments without having explored other possible alternatives. The "moratorium" cluster (n=400) consisted of individuals who scored low on commitment, medium on indepth exploration, and high on reconsideration of commitment. This cluster refers to adolescents' without strong current commitments who are aware of this, and are moderately active in considering various commitments. Those in the "searching moratorium" cluster (n=186) consisted of adolescents high on commitment, indepth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment. This cluster refers to individuals without strong commitments, but who are aware of this deficit and are intensely active exploring and searching for a commitment. The "diffusion" cluster (n=465) was composed of individuals with low scores on commitment, indepth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment. This cluster refers to adolescents who do not actively explore different identity alternatives and who lack strong identity commitments. These five clusters were significantly distinctive on personality features, psychosocial problems, and parental relationships. Age and ethnic background significantly influenced the distribution among the five identity statuses. Various instruments were used to measure commitment, indepth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment; personality; school anxiety and generalized anxiety symptoms; direct aggression; and parent-adolescent relationship. 1 figure, 2 tables, and 68 references