The Objective Measure of Ego Identity was administered to 350 adolescents to test the Eriksonian theory of a developmental continuum from role diffusion to identity achievement. The results offer construct validity for the dynamic process proposed by Blos and Erikson, but do not support the categorization procedure as set forth by Adams, Shea, and…

A sense of inferiority in adolescent males can result from a split senex-puer archetype, a Jungian construct focused on the individual's identification with and/or repression of psychic age and youth. Adolescents experience healing of the split senex-puer archetype to the degrees to which they involve themselves in the eros and power of their life…

An assumption that immigrant and American-born adolescents experience similar, normal psychological development processes was examined through a two-part research study that: (1) gathered normative data on ego development, identity and moral reasoning; and (2) field-tested an experimental curriculum intended to stimulate development in these…

Investigated the identity formation in pregnant adolescents (N=30) as compared to a group of nonpregnant adolescents (N=30). Used the Ego Identity Scale to obtain a measure of ego identity. Analyzed data in relation to six hypotheses. Found pregnant adolescents scored significantly lower on the Ego Identity Scale. (RC)

Investigated the relationship between ego identity and alienation in adolescents. Subjects (N=147) were administered the Adolescent Alienation Scale and Ego Identity Scale. Data supported the hypothesis that as scores on the Ego Identity Scale increase, there tends to be a moderate decrease in alienation. (Author)

This study builds on Erik Erikson's "Identity: Youth and Crisis," and describes in detail what social possibilities the adolescent usually considers when cognitively searching the environment, and describes how the understanding of the possibilities enhances or thwarts identity formation. (Author/KC)

Hypothesized that women who were more profeminist in their attitudes toward women's roles would score significantly higher on a measure of identity achievement than women whose attitudes were more traditional. Measures were administered to a random sample of 300 female college students. Results strongly supported the hypothesis. (Author)

Findings of a study which tests cross culturally an American model of self concept formation process indicate that: "In schools where socioeconomic heterogeneity is greater, meritocratic criteria predominate but in schools ...populated predominantly by lower socioeconomic populations, ascriptive criteria tend to play a much greater role..." in…

Argues for a view of adolescence as deriving from the nature of the interaction of adolescent thought and action in a social setting. Suggests the necessity for rethinking current definitions of adult as well as adolescent development and calls for a change in ways both groups are educated. (RC)

Evaluates the effects of expanding sex-role alternatives on the passage of American middle-class women through the Eriksonian model of identity achievement. Contrasts contemporary norms regarding appropriate feminine roles with the more constricted social expectations of Erikson's time. Discusses validity of Erikson's original model of female…

Examined family unemployment in terms of its effects on adolescent work values and self-concept. Findings from 344 high school students from Israeli development town showed no significant differences among youth from families where father was employed or unemployed. Findings suggest that father's work status has little impact on adolescent family…