Interpersonal identity formation during early adolescence

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Adolescent Psychology

Background:

• Adolescence is a critical period for identity formation.
• Interpersonal identity development is a key aspect of adolescent psychosocial development.
• Understanding identity statuses in early adolescence provides insight into developmental trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore interpersonal identity development in early adolescence.
• To identify the prevalence of different identity statuses among sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.
• To examine grade and gender differences within identity statuses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the interpersonal identity scale from the Revised Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status.
• Administered the scale to 356 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.
• Analyzed data to determine identity status categories and associated demographic differences.

Main Results:

• 55% of participants fit into one of four discrete identity statuses.
• Within this group, 62% were classified as diffused or foreclosed identity statuses.
• Friendship, dating, and sex roles were significant interpersonal domains, especially for diffused and foreclosed statuses.

Conclusions:

• Interpersonal identity development is emergent and transitional during early adolescence.
• Less sophisticated identity statuses (diffused, foreclosed) are common in this age group.
• Grade and gender influence identity development in early adolescence.