Construction and Validation of the Identity Crisis and Histrionic Personality Disorder Scale for Young Adult Girls

Background This study centers on the development and validation of a psychometric scale designed to assess identity crisis and histrionic personality disorder (HPD), addressing a significant gap in current diagnostic tools. Identity crises, often characterized by confusion about one's self-concept and societal roles, commonly emerge during adolescence and can lead to maladaptive behaviors. HPD, marked by attention-seeking and emotional dysregulation, shares notable overlaps with identity crises, particularly in disrupted self-concept and a heightened dependence on external validation. Methods A multiphase process guided the scale's development, including a comprehensive literature review, expert evaluations, and pilot testing. Initially, 38 items were generated based on core theoretical constructs of identity crisis and HPD. Following expert review, the scale was refined to 28 items and pilot-tested on a diverse sample of 275 participants aged 18-25. Results Exploratory factor analysis identified five core dimensions: identity instability, dramatic expression, excessive concern with physical appearance, impulsivity, and relational intimacy. Confirmatory factor analysis further supported the model's robustness, yielding strong fit indices (Comparative Fit Index = 0.918, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.045). Conclusions The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.94) and strong construct validity. Its multidimensional framework holds substantial value for both clinicians and researchers in assessing identity-related disturbances and HPD traits. While developed for young adults, future research should explore its applicability across broader populations and cultural contexts. This tool effectively bridges theoretical understanding with practical application, offering a foundation for targeted interventions and advancing the study of identity and personality disorders.