IDENTITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS AMONG NATIONAL GUARD SERVICE MEMBERS AND UNDERGRADUATES

• Main Author: Antonides, Bradley
• Format: Others
• Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2011
• Subjects: Identity; Psychological Needs; Military; Undergraduate; Counseling Psychology; Psychology; Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Online Access: http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/2646; http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3645&context=etd

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.