Identity styles, dimensions, statuses, and functions: Making connections among identity conceptualizations

Introduction: Identity styles (Berzonsky, 1989), identity dimensions and statuses (Marcia, 1966; Crocetti, Rubini, Luyckx, & Meeus, 2008), and identity functions (Adams & Marshall, 1996) represent important identity conceptualizations. However, the interrelationships among these constructs are not well understood. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the connections between these identity conceptualizations. Method: Participants were 1158 Italian youth (38% males), aged 17 to 22 years. These participants completed self-report identity measures. Results: Findings indicated that informational and normative styles, and commitment and in-depth exploration were positively associated with identity functions; whereas diffuse-avoidant style and reconsideration of commitment were negatively related to identity functions. Finally, meaningful differences on identity functions between the statuses were detected. Discussion: Identity is a multi-faceted construct that has to be studied integrating various conceptualizations.