Convergent validity in objective measures of identity status: implications for identity status theory

The present study was conducted to test two primary assumptions of Marcia's identity status model: (a) that measures of the identity statuses would relate to identity exploration and commitment in ways consistent with the definitions of the statuses; and (b) that status assignments made using continuous status measures would converge with those made using exploration and commitment scores. Seven hundred fifty-eight university students (174 males, 560 females, 24 not reporting gender) completed the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire, which is a measure of identity exploration and commitment, and the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status II, which provides continuous measures of each identity status. Results provided mixed support for both assumptions of the identity status model. The findings are discussed in light of recent calls for expansion of identity theory and research beyond the identity status model.