The U-MICS is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess the identity dimensions from a domain-specific perspective. The present study reports on the development of a shortform version for the domains of job and romantic relationship in young adults from Germany and extends this scale to include the domain of region (n Sample1 ¼ 95, 84% female, mean age 22.45 years; n Sample2 ¼ 1,795, 71% female, mean age 24.53 years). We found the short form to possess adequate psychometric properties and to demonstrate a factor structure congruent to the long-form version. Regarding validity, the small correlations across domains within dimensions support a domain-specific approach to identity. The associations between the different identity domains with personality traits are similar, indicating a consistent pattern of convergent validity for all domains. We conclude that "region" provides a valuable complement to the established domains that can all be reliably assessed with the U-MICSeShort Form.
As residential mobility is a common life event that particularly affects young adults, regional identity may be relevant for young adults. We therefore extended the three-dimensional identity model to the regional domain. The development of regional identity was studied using a prospective design over six months with a sample of 1,795 postsecondary graduates (71% female, mean age of 24.54 years), containing both movers and non-movers. Latent profile analyses and latent profile transition analyses revealed three main findings: First, solutions with four regional identity statuses-moratorium, searching moratorium, closure, and achievement-were found to be most interpretable. Second, the emergent statuses differed substantially in terms of Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction, as well as with moving experience. Third, the stability of identity status membership across a period of six months was highest for the non-movers group. Comparatively less stability across time was found for the movers, underscoring the relevance of transitions for identity development. Taken together, these findings show that even in a mobile world, region matters in identity development.
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