IDENTITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS AMONG NATIONAL GUARD SERVICE MEMBERS AND UNDERGRADUATES

This study measured identity style and identity status within military and academic populations (N = 286) to investigate whether low levels of identity commitment predict dissatisfaction in meeting basic psychological needs. Analysis of identity style and identity status subscales examined the relia...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Antonides, Bradley
Format: Others
Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2011
Subjects:
Online Access:http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/2646
http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3645&context=etd
Description
Summary:This study measured identity style and identity status within military and academic populations (N = 286) to investigate whether low levels of identity commitment predict dissatisfaction in meeting basic psychological needs. Analysis of identity style and identity status subscales examined the reliability of traditional measures of identity in an atypical emerging adult population. Group comparisons based on participant characteristics (identity commitment, work experience, age, combat experience) explored differences between and within institutions. Results supported the reliability of traditional identity measures in a non-traditional population. A diffuse identity status and diffuse identity style both significantly predicted lower reported levels of psychological needs satisfaction across and within institutions (p < .001). Additionally, full-time college participants who were also affiliated with military service reported significantly higher levels of identity commitment p < .001, ηp2 = .10. Findings are discussed and potential identity related research directions examined.