| Summary: | According to Erik Erikson (1950), adolescents and young adults are highly
engaged in the process of identity development with intentions to avoid a state of
diffusion and role confusion. Several researchers (e.g., Bordin, 1990; Krumboltz, 1979;
Lofquist & Dawis, 1991; Super, 1957) in the area of career development have attempted
to explain how identity relates to the career selection process for young adults, all
seeming to describe a similar construct, that of self identity. Perhaps the most popular
theory of career development, HollandÂs (1959) theory, clarified the identity construct by Holland's Vocational Identity is first compared to Marcia's four ego identity
statuses (Diffusion, Foreclosure, Moratorium, and Achieved), indicating a positive
relationship to ego identity development. Second, person-environment (P-E) congruence
was compared to Erikson's/Marcia's four identity statuses and Vocational Identity,
revealing no relationship between the variables. However, strong relationships were
apparent for P-E Congruence and well-being measures, including satisfaction with
academic major, stability in academic major, and academic achievement.
In further investigation of the identity formation process, identity variables were
compared to measures of well-being. Using canonical correlation analysis, the first
canonical function showed Vocational Identity as a strong indicator of well-being.
Canonical correlation analysis was also used to compare measures of career
development with Erikson's/Marcia's ego identity development. Results revealed a
strong statistical relationship with the first canonical root, indicating Vocational Identity
and career decision making both appear to be strongly related to the Achieved identity
status. These findings further support the theoretical connection between ego identity
and career development process. Considering limitations of the study, implications for
theory and practice and recommendations for future research are provided.
describing Vocational Identity as the possession of a clear and stable picture of oneÂs
goals, interests, and talents. This study sought to clarify similarities between EriksonÂs
theory of identity development and HollandÂs theory of vocational choice. To assess the
relationship between identity formation and career development, 206 college students
completed scales measuring ego identity formation, using MarciaÂs (1966) empirical
representation of EriksonÂs theory, Vocational Identity, measures of congruence,
measures of well-being, and Career Indecision.
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