Occupational identity status development, gender comparisons, and internal-external control in first-year air force
1Educational Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan, USA.
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
|November 27, 2013
Summary
Many cadets begin military training with unclear career goals. While identity statuses remained stable for some, males showed significant changes and links between identity and internal-external control, aligning with Erikson
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Adolescent identity formation is a critical developmental task.
- Understanding occupational identity status is key to career development.
- Erikson's theory provides a framework for identity development stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess developmental changes in occupational identity status among US Air Force cadets.
- To examine the relationship between internal-external control and identity statuses.
- To explore gender differences in identity development within a military context.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of cadets during their first six months at the academy.
- Assessment of occupational identity statuses (e.g., Foreclosed, Achieved, Diffused-diffused).
- Analysis of the correlation between internal-external control and identity statuses.
Main Results:
- Over half of entering cadets presented with uncommitted occupational identity statuses.
- Approximately 50% of cadets maintained their identity status over the study period.
- Male cadets exhibited significant shifts in identity status and correlations with internal-external control.
Conclusions:
- Identity development patterns observed were congruent with Erikson's theory.
- Foreclosed identity statuses were the most stable, while Achieved statuses were the least stable.
- Gender differences were evident, with males showing more dynamic identity changes and control-related associations.
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