Theoretical assumptions outlined by Erik Erikson on psychosocial crisis resolution hypothesizes that the positive resolution of the identity crisis is predictive of more mature intimacy formation. To test this hypothesis, college-aged late adolescents (48 subjects) completed interviews and selfreport instruments measuring identity formation and degree of intimacy along with daily records of social interactions for one week. Analyses indicated a complex association between identity and intimacy formation. Comparisons were made between the exploration and commitment process of identity and the measures of intimacy formation and social interaction measures. Numerous complex sex differences were observed with several interactions between gender, exploration, commitment, and intimacy context. Findings are discussed in terms of broadening future research direction beyond the simple study of the linkage of identity and intimacy.

Convergent-divergent validity and reliability estimates for clinical interview and self-report measures of ego identity were obtained. Twenty-three males and 25 females completed an extended version of the Ego Identity Interview [H. D. Grotevant, W. Thorebecke, and M. C. Meyer (1982) "An Extension of Marcia's Identity Status Interview into the Interpersonal Domain,"Journal of Youth and Adolescence 11: 33-48] and the extended version of the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status [H. D. Grotevant and G. R. Adams (1984) "Development of an Objective Measure to Assess Ego-Identity in Adolescence: Validation and Replication,"Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 13: 419-438]. While the two measures were expected to converge, little convergence was observed. The findings suggest that the two measures may be (a) assessing relatively distinct forms of ego identity, or (b) that the ego-identity construct as measured by the process (exploration) and outcome (commitment) dimensions needs further theoretical examination.

Four theoretical perspectives-role theory, family theory, person/life span theory, and a holistic, developmental, systems-oriented theory-that examine critical person-in-environment transitions through the life span are described and compared with respect to central theme/world hypothesis, unit of analysis, treatment of change, problem formulation, methodology, and types of research conducted. Areas are indicated where study of critical transitions can be profitably pursued.

A validation study of the social intimacy semi-structured interview, devised by Orlofsky, Marcia and Lesser (1973), was completed to establish predictive validity with self-reported loneliness, psychosocial intimacy capacity, and social interactions in same-sex and opposite-sex contexts. Twenty-three males and 25 females completed the intimacy interview, a loneliness scale, an intimacy scale, and the Rochester Interaction Record. Subjects were categorized using the intimacy interview into isolated, stereotyped and intimate statuses. The evidence suggests both divergence and convergence regarding expectations associated with predictive validity. The interview assessment showed strongest convergence with self-report scales measuring loneliness and intimacy capacity and weakest convergence with social behavior experiences.