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Development and validation of the revised Identity Style Inventory (ISI-5): factor structure, reliability, and
Michael D Berzonsky1, Bart Soenens, Koen Luyckx
1Department of Psychology.
Psychological Assessment
|May 8, 2013
Summary
Researchers developed and validated the Identity Style Inventory-Version 5 (ISI-5) to measure how individuals process identity information. This new tool offers reliable assessment of informational, normative, and diffuse-avoidant identity styles.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Identity processing styles describe how individuals manage identity construction and maintenance.
- The Identity Style Inventory-Version 3 (ISI-3) has been the standard measure in empirical research.
- A need existed for a revised and validated instrument to assess identity processing styles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new, revised measure of identity processing style: the Identity Style Inventory-Version 5 (ISI-5).
- To ensure the new measure (ISI-5) demonstrates robust psychometric properties and theoretical alignment.
Main Methods:
- Generated an initial pool of 39 items focusing on processing identity-relevant information.
- Utilized Exploratory Factor Analysis to identify three distinct style scales: Informational, Normative, and Diffuse-avoidant.
- Employed Confirmatory Factor Analysis on an independent sample to validate the 3-factor structure of the ISI-5.
- Conducted five studies to assess psychometric properties, including reliability, internal consistency, and convergent/discriminant validity.
Main Results:
- The Exploratory Factor Analysis identified three scales: Informational (9 items), Normative (9 items), and Diffuse-avoidant (9 items).
- Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the 3-factor structure of the ISI-5.
- The ISI-5 scales demonstrated good test-retest reliability and internal consistency.
- Correlations with measures of identity status, content, commitment, and processing styles supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the ISI-5.
Conclusions:
- The Identity Style Inventory-Version 5 (ISI-5) is a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing individual differences in identity processing styles.
- The ISI-5 provides a reliable and valid tool for researchers investigating identity development and related psychological constructs.
- Future research should explore the applications and further refine the understanding of identity processing styles using the ISI-5.
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