Linking Identity Status to Strength of Sense of Self: Theory and Validation

Abstract

This study used scores on the Sense of Self Scale (SOSS) to test Marcia's (1966) claim that the achieved identity status is associated with a stronger sense of self than are the three “less mature” identity statuses (diffused, foreclosed, and moratorium). The respondents were 290 undergraduates (74 males, 214 females) who participated in an online survey containing the Sense of Self Scale (SOSS), the Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS), the Self-Monitoring Scale (SMS), and the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status 2 (EOM-EIS II). In multiple regression models, SOSS scores were positively correlated with scores on the achieved identity subscale of the EOM-EIS-II, but were negatively correlated with scores on the diffused, foreclosed, and moratorium subscales. These findings support Marcia's (1966) theoretical view and provide additional evidence for the construct validity of the SOSS and EOM-EIS-II measures.