Individuation and parents as people: Measurement concerns regarding two aspects of autonomy

The focus of this study was on examining two assumed components of adolescent autonomy-individuation and perceiving parents as people and the validity of their measurement. Participating in the study were 67 students in grades 9 and 11 (ages 14-17 years) and 118 college students (ages 18-27 years). Each student completed two measures of individuation and two measures of parents as people. The sample was divided into four data sets for analyses based on gender and age grouping. Neither the two measures of individuation nor the two measures of parents as people correlated with each other indicating a problem with concurrent validity. The problems with adequate grounding in theory and validity for the measures are discussed.

Gender and identity status differences in late adolescents’ possible selves

The current study examined gender and identity status differences in late adolescents' possible selves. The intent of the study was to clarify conflicts between theory and research on gender differences in identity by investigating the content of participants' possible selves. Participants completed measures of identity and possible selves. The results indicated that there was a relationship between gender and the mean number of both feared and balanced interpersonally themed possible selves. The pattern of results is discussed in terms of prior findings regarding gender differences in both identity and possible selves. Suggestions for future research are also provided.

The role of possible selves in identity formation: a short-term longitudinal study

This study is an attempt to replicate and extend previous findings on the relationship between identity and possible selves. In an effort to assess if the earlier findings by Dunkel (2000, Journal of Adolescence, 23, 513-529) could be generalized, different measures of identity and possible selves were used. Likewise, a longitudinal approach was utilized in order to evaluate the hypothesis that possible selves are a mechanism used in the process of identity formation. As predicted, identity exploration was positively correlated to the number of possible selves generated, and changes in identity exploration predicted changes in the number of possible selves generated. It was also found that identity commitment was associated with the consistency of hoped for possible selves across time, which may reflect the role of commitment in setting and working toward personal goals. Previous results related to identity status and possible selves pruning, balance, and valence were not replicated.

Possible selves as a mechanism for identity exploration

This study examined one possible mechanism involved in the identity exploration process. From a constructivist perspective identity is conceptualized as a self-theory. Using self-theory as a model of identity, it was proposed that the exploration process involves the production of hypotheses or possibilities about the self. A total of 277 participants were given the EOM-EIS-2 in order to make identity status classifications, and the close-ended possible selves questionnaire in order to measure aspects of their possible selves. Because the Moratorium status is defined by active exploration, it was predicted that this status group would be associated with a greater number of possible selves. This prediction was confirmed, partly because of the greater number of negative possible selves that were endorsed, which could signify increased anxiety, balance, and motivation for change. Distinctions between the committed identity status groups and the Diffusion status group also emerged. The pattern of responses exhibited by the Diffusion group appears to reflect a lack of thought and confidence regarding positive prospects for the future.