Association of identity and intimacy: an exploration of gender and sex-role orientation.
This study examined Erikson's psychosocial crises of identity versus identity diffusion and intimacy versus isolation, focusing specifically on how sex-role orientation contributes to gender differences in the resolution of these two crises. Perceptions of competence in self-disclosure and emotional support in both same-sex friendships and relationships with heterosexual dating partners, along with achievement of ideological and interpersonal identity, were included in the study so that differences could be examined. First-year and fourth-year college students (n = 135) at a large midwestern university responded to measures assessing identity, capacity for intimacy, and sex-role orientation. When controlling for sex-role orientation, the relationship between identity and intimacy was nonsignificant for men but significant for women.
Bartle-Haring
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Department of Family Relations and Human Development, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA. sebartle@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu
Strimple
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003380:Courtship; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007063:Identity Crisis; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010553:Personality Development; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012944:Social Support