Adaptive regression and ego identity

An inventory of adaptively regressive experiences (Taft Ego Permissiveness Inventory) and the Identity Status Interview were administered to 71 college students (35 female, 36 male). As hypothesized, Moratorium status individuals (actively engaged in identity formation) showed a greater disposition to adaptive regression than did individuals in other statuses. This supports the view that adaptive regression may serve an important function in the identity formation process. Contrary to hypothesis, Achievement status individuals did not show greater disposition to adaptive regression than those in Foresclosure status. Females showed substantially greater disposition to adaptive regression than did males.