The Relationship of Identity Boundaries to Identity Statuses and Styles: An Empirical Examination of the Structural Model of Identity Formation

Abstract

This study examined the relationships among key constructs of the structural model of identity formation. Respondents completed measures assessing identity boundaries, statuses, and styles. The anticipated sequence of mean boundary scores for the identity statuses was observed, with the moratorium and identity diffusion statuses displaying thinner (diffuse) boundaries, followed by identity achievement in the intermediate range, and then identity foreclosure with thicker (rigid) boundaries. The moratorium status had the thinnest boundaries of all the statuses. Regarding identity style, the anticipated sequence of mean boundary scores was also observed, with the diffuse-avoidant style exhibiting thinner boundaries than the informational style, which in turn had thinner boundaries than the normative style. Identity commitment was also associated with thicker boundaries as expected. These findings offer provisional support for the structural model, principally regarding its association with the identity style construct.The construct of identity, formalized by Erikson (1950Erikson ( , 1968, has matured into a central theme of psychosocial development through a large and growing body of research (Schwartz, 2001). Based on Erikson's work, Marcia's (1966) identity status paradigm provides a concise and measurable conception of identity that has become a foundation for research on this construct. Since that time additional models of identity have been advanced that further our understanding of the construct, particularly regarding the processes by which identity forms (development in identity investigation is a focus on the structure of identity (Kroger, 2003;Lile, 2013). A structural model of identity was articulated by Lile (2013), which proffers an identity-related boundary distinguishing the identity system from its environment. This structural model of identity is theoretically aligned with Marcia's identity status and Berzonsky's (1989) identity style paradigms, though the proposed relationships have yet to be examined empirically. The purpose of this study was to examine the proposed relationship between Lile's structural model and the identity status and style paradigms (Berzonsky, 1989;Marcia, 1966). The following is a brief review of these models and the proposed relationships among the constructs in each.

Forming a Professional Counselor Identity: The Impact of Identity Processing Style

“…This exploration appears to yield distinct qualities associated with a professional counselor identity that supersede commitment alone. Use of the informational style has been associated with universalism and openness to new experiences (Berzonsky & Sullivan, 1992;Lile, 2013Lile, , 2015Seaton & Beaumont, 2008), higher levels of emotional intelligence (Seaton & Beaumont, 2008, 2011b, and self-transcendence (Beaumont, 2009). These qualities unique to the informational style are compatible with a counselor professional identity and may lend themselves to the exploration process.…”

“…Values favored by informational-oriented individuals include universalism, benevolence, and openness (Berzonsky et al, 2011) manifesting in greater exploration and openness to new experiences (Berzsonsky & Sullivan, 1992;Lile, 2013Lile, , 2015Seaton & Beaumont, 2008). The use of an informational style is associated with higher emotional intelligence (Seaton & Beaumont, 2008, 2011b, self-actualization and selftranscendence (Beaumont, 2009), and personal wisdom (Beaumont, 2011).…”

“…Consequently, identity commitments made by normoriented individuals tend to occur prior to significant personal exploration of alternatives (Berzonsky, 1989;Berzonsky & Kuk, 2000;Berzonsky & Neimeyer, 1994). Values associated with the normative style include tradition, conformity, and security (Berzonsky et al, 2011), which result in a closed disposition toward values and actions that may threaten core areas of the self (Berzonsky & Sullivan, 1992;Lile, 2013Lile, , 2015. When faced with external pressures, normoriented individuals are inclined toward problem-focused coping strategies (Beaumont & Seaton, 2011) and a defense style that alters personal feelings without dramatically distorting external reality (Seaton & Beaumont, 2011a).…”

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“…Values favored by informational-oriented individuals include universalism, benevolence, and openness (Berzonsky et al, 2011), manifesting in greater exploration and openness to new experiences (Berzsonsky & Sullivan, 1992;Lile, 2013Lile, , 2015Seaton & Beaumont, 2008). The use of an informational style is associated with higher emotional intelligence (Seaton & Beaumont, 2008, 2011b, self-…”

“…Consequently, identity commitments made by norm-oriented individuals tend to occur prior to significant personal exploration of alternatives (Berzonsky, 1989;Berzonsky & Kuk, 2000;Berzonsky & Neimeyer, 1994). Values associated with the normative style include tradition, conformity, and security (Berzonsky et al, 2011), which result in a generally closed disposition toward values and actions that may threaten core areas of the self (Berzonsky & Sullivan, 1992;Lile, 2013Lile, , 2015. When faced with external pressures, norm oriented individuals are inclined toward problem-focused coping strategies (Beaumont & Seaton, 2011), and a neurotic defense style that alters personal feelings without dramatically distorting external reality (Seaton & Beaumont, 2011a).…”