Ego Identity and Motivation: An Empirical Study of Achievement and Affiliation in Erikson's Theory

Abstract

Ss manifesting different levels of achievement and affiliation motivation (TAT) were distinguished as predicted by E. Erikson's theory by an operational measure of ego identity (Rasmussen's Ego Identity Scale) in predicted directions. Results supported Erikson's contention that Ss who manifest high motivation, both in affiliation and in achievement, would show a more satisfactory ego identity than individuals who manifest other levels of achievement and affiliation motivation. Ss' levels of adult achievement motivation reflected the successful or unsuccessful resolution of the achievement crisis of the latency period. The study involved a series of 2 × 2 factorial designs defined by levels of achievement and affiliation motivation and related the four cells to ego identity development (Ego Identity Scale Score) and to the manner in which Ss resolved the achievement crisis (Subscale on Ego Identity Scale). Ss were 158 male college students between the ages of 17 and 25 yr.