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Self-image complexity and identity formation in adolescence: Longitudinal studies.
1Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
|January 11, 2014
Summary
Adolescent self-images were analyzed using a Q-sort technique. Psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents showed significantly lower self-image complexity compared to normal adolescents, reflecting distinct ego identity configurations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Adolescent ego identity development is complex.
- Psychiatric hospitalization can impact self-perception.
- Erikson's theories provide a framework for understanding identity formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in self-image complexity between normal and psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents.
- To analyze the longitudinal patterns of self-image complexity.
- To relate self-image complexity to ego identity configurations.
Main Methods:
- A specially designed Q-sort technique was used to study multiple self-images.
- Sixty adolescents (normal and hospitalized) were tested over 12-18 months at 6-month intervals.
- Self-images were analyzed for complexity scores.
Main Results:
- Patients consistently exhibited lower self-image complexity scores than normal adolescents.
- Significant differences in complexity scores were observed between the two groups.
- Longitudinal data revealed distinct patterns of complexity scores for patients and normals.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent psychiatric hospitalization is associated with lower self-image complexity.
- Self-image complexity scores reflect differing ego identity configurations, aligning with clinical observations.
- The Q-sort technique effectively operationalized and differentiated ego identity constructs.
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