Identity styles, dimensions, statuses, and functions: Making connections among identity conceptualizations

Abstract

IntroductionIdentity styles (Berzonsky, 1989), identity dimensions and statuses (Marcia, 1966; Crocetti, Rubini, Luyckx, & Meeus, 2008), and identity functions (Adams & Marshall, 1996) represent important identity conceptualizations. However, the interrelationships among these constructs are not well understood. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the connections between these identity conceptualizations. MethodParticipants were 1158 Italian youth (38% males), aged 17 to 22years. These participants completed self-report identity measures. ResultsFindings indicated that informational and normative styles, and commitment and in-depth exploration were positively associated with identity functions; whereas diffuse-avoidant style and reconsideration of commitment were negatively related to identity functions. Finally, meaningful differences on identity functions between the statuses were detected. DiscussionIdentity is a multi-faceted construct that has to be studied integrating various conceptualizations.