title: Measuring identity from an eriksonian perspective: two sides of the same coin?
abstract: In this article, we report the results of 3 studies evaluating the psychometric properties of scores generated using the Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (EPSI; Rosenthal, Gurney, & Moore, 1981) with emerging adults. In Study 1, a hybrid bifactor solution, consisting of an overall identity factor as well as of "method effects" factors for identity synthesis and identity confusion, provided a better fit to the data than did either one or two-factor solutions. This bifactor solution was largely invariant across gender and across Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics. In Study 2, the overall identity, identity synthesis, and identity confusion scores were shown to possess convergent validity with another Eriksonian measure and with measures of identity status. In Study 3, the EPSI subscale scores were shown to possess construct validity vis-a-vis self-esteem, purpose in life, internal locus of control, ego strength, anxiety, and depression. We discuss implications for the measurement of identity.
authors.affiliation: Center for Family Studies, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, USA. SSchwartz@med.miami.edu
authors.forename: Seth J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Byron L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Zamboanga
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Janine V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Olthuis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D044383:Black People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012933:Social Identification; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult; D001741:Black or African American