Adolescent identity exploration: a test of Erikson's theory of transitional crisis.
This research investigated Erikson's theory that adolescent identity exploration is associated with a variety of symptoms, such as fluctuations in ego strength, mood swings, rebelliousness, and heightened physical complaints. A sample of 82 high school students completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Ego-Identity Interview. Identity exploration was correlated with 23 major clinical scales and the 14 Frequently Scored Scales of the MMPI. A factor analysis revealed seven scales loading on a single factor, which accounted for 39% of the variance in exploration. The items in the factor suggested a pattern consistent with Erikson's theory of adolescent crisis, and was labeled the Identity Exploration Crisis (IEC) factor. Adolescents who were actively engaged in identity exploration were more likely to produce a personality pattern characterized by self-doubt, confusion, disturbed thinking impulsivity, conflicts with parents and other authority figures, reduced ego strength, and increased physical symptoms.
Kidwell
J S
JS
Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee 32306-1051, USA.
Dunham
R M
RM
Bacho
R A
RA
Pastorino
E
E
Portes
P R
PR
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007063:Identity Crisis; D008950:MMPI; D008297:Male; D011574:Psychoanalytic Theory; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent