The Relation Between Family Functioning, Ego Identity, and Self-Esteem in Young Adults

Abstract

We examined the potential influence of family characteristics on ego identity and self-esteem among emerging adults. College students (N = 210, M = 19.52 years, 65% women) completed measures of self-esteem, ego-identity, and family functioning (General Family Functioning, Communication, Roles, Affective Responsiveness, Affective Involvement, and Behavior Control). In a multiple regression analysis, self-esteem was predicted by ego identity, general family functioning, and gender. Similarly, when ego-identity was the criterion variable, it was predicted by self-esteem, general family functioning, and gender. We further examined the nature of these relations using a path model. Healthy family functioning predicted stronger ego identity which in turn was predictive of higher self-esteem. In addition, being male was significantly related to higher self-esteem whereas being female was related to higher ego identity.