Data from 265 early adolescents (seventh graders) were analyzed to examine the relationship between gender, family status, and ego identity. Analysis of variance results indicated that females were more mature than males on a measure of moratorium (exploration of alternatives); that early adolescents living in an intact family environment were more likely to make commitments without examining alternatives (high foreclosure scores) than were their cohorts who reported living in disrupted family environments; and males from the former condition were more diffused (not questioning and noncommital). Overall, the impact of family disruption was more notable among males than females. Findings support Erikson's contention that identity development is a lifelong prospect which is mediated by change (internal and external).
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