Various studies have examined the validity of the Functions of Identity Scale; the current study addressed gaps in previous works. Its three main goals were to revise the Control subscale and establish its construct validity, to assess the structural validity of a five-factor model, and to establish the external validity of the subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed with a sample of 422 female and 107 male undergraduate students from two universities in Ontario, Canada. The analysis supported the construct validity of the revised five-factor measurement model and the new Personal Control factor. The external validity of each of the subscales was tested, and scale items were revised to increase clarity and readability (to a Grade 5.5 reading level). Rigorous validity testing, strong psychometric properties, low reading level, and a novel focus on the outer workings of identity formation make this scale an attractive addition to current identity measures.
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