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Abstract

Evidence is presented partially supporting the convergent validity of the Erwin Identity Scale from use of two samples of high school students. Two EIS subscales, Confidence and Sexual Identity, were moderately correlated with Simmons's Identity Achievement Scale and Rotter's Internal-External Scale. No relationship was found between the third EIS subscale, Conceptions About Body and Appearance, and either Simmons's or Rotter's scales.

The development of identity has been recognized as an important aspect of human development for years (Bourne, 1980; James, 1890). What was strictly a psychological concept has now become common conversation in the American culture, manifest by phrases such as “seeking an identity” or “identity crisis.” Although Erikson (1950, 1968) has been given the distinction for advancing the psychological theory of identity, he has also been given credit for contributing to confusion of the concept (Thayer, 1963). Because of this confusion, several interpretations of Erikson's work have been proposed. The conceptualizations of Marcia and Chickering have been two of the most widely discussed (Bourne, 1980; Parker, 1978).

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References

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Convergent Validity of the Erwin Identity Scale

Abstract

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References