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Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate whether different styles of resolving identity questions can be differentiated along various social-cognitive dimensions and whether gender differences are evident. Identity style refers to differences in how individuals process self-relevant information as they negotiate (or manage to avoid) identity issues. Three styles were investigated: (a) informational, (b) normative, and (c) diffuse/ avoidant. Participants with an information-oriente4, self-exploratory identity style were significantly more motivated to engage in active information processing (need for cognition) and were more receptive to new ideas, personal feelings, and actions (experiential openness) than were their normative or diffuse/avoidant counterparts. Relative to both informational and diffuse/avoidant types, normative-oriented individuals were significantly less open to and willing to consider information that might threaten hard-core areas of the self, such as personal values and actions. No significant Identity Style x Gender interactions were found; male andfemale subjects with the same identity style did not differ along these social-cognitive variables. The results are considered in terms of a social-cognitive view of identity development.

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Identity Style,Gender,and Social-Cognitive Reasoning

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