Identification of Levels of Self-Identity

Abstract

Beginning with an open-ended technique in which subjects suggested attributes of self-identity, a forced-choice instrument for measuring the centrality of self-attributes was developed. 143 undergraduates enrolled in psychology courses at a large church-related university were examined. Mean ranks were used to represent the centrality of self-identity attributes. Those mean ranks were analyzed using analysis of variance and factor analysis. Religious and Familial Identifications were most central to self-identity. Self-evaluations were next most central, and Public Labels were least central. While the specific findings were limited somewhat to the group studied, the viability of a centrality model of self-identity was demonstrated.