Identity Status and Self-Esteem: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between Marcia's identity statuses and self-esteem measures through techniques of meta-analysis. Global self-esteem, as used here, refers to one's positive or negative attitudes toward oneself, degree of self-respect, self-worth, and faith in one's own capacities. Identity theory would predict strong linkages between the development of self-esteem and identity; however, previous research findings have been inconsistent regarding the nature of this relationship. Two conflicting explanatory models are examined here: (a) high self-esteem is linked with “high” identity status (achievement and moratorium) and low self-esteem with “low” identity status (foreclosure and diffusion); and (b) high self-esteem is linked with identity commitment and low self-esteem with lack of identity commitment. The initial database for this investigation consisted of 565 empirical studies of identity status conducted between 1966 and 2005 using the search terms “identity status,” “identity and Marcia,” “identity and Marcia's,” and “ego identity” to examine the following databases: PsycINFO, ERIC, Sociological s, and Dissertation s International. Some 35 of these studies addressed the relationship between self-esteem and identity status, with 18 studies providing data that could be used for the purposes of meta-analysis. Results do not provide clear support for either explanatory model, although support exists from categorical measures of identity status that high self-esteem is linked with the committed identity statuses. Possible reasons for the lack of clarity in results are discussed.