The Identity Issues Inventory: Identity Stage Resolution in the Prolonged Transition to Adulthood

The Identity Issues Inventory (I₃) uses an Eriksonian framework to assess identity stage resolution among those experiencing a prolonged transition to adulthood in terms of the developmental tasks of self-identity formation (integration and differentiation) and societal-identity formation (work roles and worldview). For this first analysis of this new measure, data were collected from two samples: (1) 196 people between the ages of 18 and 48 and (2) 1,489 participants between the ages of 18 and 41. Overall, the I₃ yields good factorial validity and reliability, and scores increase with age toward the “ceiling” of each task subscale, which represent anchors of a stable adult identity. Structural equation modeling assessed the relationships between these prominent identity issues and psychological health, revealing a positive relationship between the two constructs, providing evidence for predictive validity. An analysis of the second sample of 1,498 people confirmed these findings. The I₃ promises to be a useful tool in future investigations of identity stage resolutions for those aged 18 and above experiencing a prolonged transition to adulthood.     

Worldview and Counseling Preference: An Analogue Study

A 2 × 3 mixed factorial design was used to study the relationship between a person's dominant worldview (mechanism or organicism) and preference for three counseling approaches (behavioral, rationalist, and constructivist). A total of 90 undergraduate participants completed the Organicism-Mechanism Paradigm Inventory and subsequently evaluated three audiotaped presentations designed to depict counselors who were introducing their counseling approaches to a new client. Results revealed a significant interaction between worldview and counseling approach—organicists exhibited a significant self-preference for constructivist counseling, whereas mechanists significantly preferred behavioral counseling for themselves and others. Implications of these findings for counseling and psychotherapy are discussed.     

The Role of Epistemic Style in Counseling Preference and Orientation

Recent work has suggested that philosophical commitments play a part in directing preferences for different types of counseling, and in this article the authors extend that work with a series of four studies. Study 1 provides partial support for the relationship between epistemic commitments (rational, empirical, or metaphorical) and preferences for particular types of counseling (behavioral, rational emotive, constructivist). Studies 2 and 3 extend these findings by noting differences in how individuals gather, process, and respond to self-relevant feedback as a result of epistemic style. Finally, Study 4 provides tentative support for the possibility that counselor trainees gravitate toward preferring counseling theories that are consistent with their own epistemic orientations. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.     

DEFINING,VALIDATING, AND INCREASING INDICES OF HAPPINESS AMONG PEOPLE WITH PROFOUND MULTIPLE DISABILITIES

In this study we attempted to operationalize, measure, and increase happiness among people with profound disabilities. Happiness indices were defined and observed among 5 individuals. Validation measures indicated that (a) increases in happiness indices were observed when individuals were presented with most preferred stimuli relative to least preferred stimuli, (b) increases in unhappiness indices were observed when they were presented with least preferred relative to most preferred stimuli, and (c) practitioner ratings of participant happiness coincided with observed indices. Subsequently, classroom staff increased happiness indices through presentation and contingent withdrawal of activities. Results suggested that a behavioral approach can enhance happiness as one aspect of quality of life among people with profound disabilities. Research directions are offered that focus on using a behavioral approach to investigate other private events that are important among people with disabilities.     

Individual differences in epistemic style: A dual-process perspective

This article reports the results of using a specially designed scaled questionnaire to investigate the dualistic properties of epistemic style. The scale is introduced as a measure of individual difference in epistemic style, conceptualized within the framework of dual-process notions of cognitive function. The study examined several psychometric components of the measure, including dimensional structure, distributional characteristics, and indications of construct validity. The instrument, called the Epistemic Preference Indicator, was found to be a reliable and valid measure of two dimensions that are negatively related—each reflecting incompatible epistemic assumptions and approaches to solving knowledge-dependent problems. Theoretical speculations are made concerning the nature of epistemic dualism and the dimension of cognitive processing that may underlie the two proposed epistemic preferences or styles.     

Radical internalism

In her paper “Radical Externalism”, Amia Srinivasan argues that externalism about epistemic justification should be preferred to internalism by those who hold a “radical” worldview (according to which pernicious ideology distorts our evidence and belief-forming processes). I share Srinivasan's radical worldview, but do not agree that externalism is the preferable approach in light of the worldview we share. Here I argue that cases informed by this worldview can intuitively support precisely the internalist view that Srinivasan challenges, offer two such cases, and explain away the externalist-friendly intuitions that Srinivasan's cases solicit. I then articulate and defend a “radical” internalism, arguing that internalists’ aversion to epistemic hubris and emphasis on subjecting one's beliefs to critical scrutiny are especially attractive in realistic cases involving multiple intersecting axes of oppression—that is, precisely the sort of case that permeates our social world. I also argue that externalism's lack of interest in action-guiding principles leaves it with little to offer us in the fight against epistemic oppression.     

Abuse History, World Assumptions, and Religious Problem Solving

At a Christian university, 167 subjects completed questionnaires measuring worldview assumptions, religious problem solving, physical and emotional abuse, and subjects' beliefs about whether they had been "abused." Results indicated that worldview assumptions were not related to actual abuse histories. Instead, such assumptions were related to the subjects' beliefs that they had been abused. Subjects who believed that they had been abused had more negative views of the impersonal world, people, and themselves; they were also more likely to see events as random. Both actual abuse history and subjects' beliefs that they had been abused were related to religious problem-solving styles. Finally, problem-solving styles were related to various worldview assumptions. Results are discussed in terms of previous research on abuse and in the psychology of religion.     

Identity processing styles and language proficiency among Persian learners of English as a foreign language

The relationship between identity processing styles and language proficiency in English as foreign language (EFL) was investigated among the Persian EFL learners. 266 Persian candidates taking part in a Ph.D. examination at Shiraz University took part. The Language Proficiency Test was used to measure language proficiency in English. The Identity Styles Inventory was used to measure normative, informational, and diffuse-avoidant identity processing styles. Relationships between normative and informational styles and language proficiency and its subscales (grammar, vocabulary, and reading) were positive and significant. Negative relationships between diffuse-avoidant style and language proficiency and its subscales (grammar, vocabulary, and reading) were observed. There were significant sex differences for diffuse-avoidant style and for vocabulary.     

THE QUEST FOR SELF-IDENTITY: TIME,NARRATIVE, AND THE LATE PROSE OF SAMUEL BECKETT

The long-standing problem of understanding self-identity has been most recently addressed as a matter of narrative form. Paul Ricoeur (1985a), as well as others, has examined how the discordant experience of time is structured by narrative form and can constitute an identity. This article attempts to extend his analysis to a reading of the late prose work of Samuel Beckett. While Beckett's approach to narrative identity shares similarity with Ricoeur's analysis, there are important distinctions. In contrast to Ricoeur's emphasis on the way narrative can order temporal experience, an examination of the works Stories and Texts for Nothing (1967) and How It Is (1964) serve to illustrate Beckett's experimentation with the generative power of the narrative voice. For Beckett, it seems that the very act of narration through time can give rise to problematic ambiguity and semantic multiplicity. It is argued that the literary works of Beckett complement that of Ricoeur's by attacking order and meaning; his texts show how narrating in time can distend, pull, and fragment in unexpected and generative ways. It is suggested that an appreciation of both the affirmative and negative aspects of narration are necessary for a complete understanding of self-identity.     

大学生网络同一性实验与自我同一性的关系:网络社交倾向和强迫性网络使用的作用

从网络同一性实验与自我同一性间关系的分歧出发,提出相应的理论模型,考察网络社交倾向的调节作用及强迫性网络使用的中介作用。本研究采用网络同一性实验量表、自我同一性实验问卷以及强迫性网络使用量表对275名大学生进行了测量,结果表明:(1)网络社交倾向对网络同一性实验与自我同一性的关系具有调节作用。对于线下社交倾向的大学生,网络同一性实验对自我同一性有消极预测作用;但对于线上社交倾向的大学生,中等程度的网络同一性实验会积极预测自我同一性的发展;(2)强迫性网络使用在网络同一性实验与自我同一性的关系中起完全中介作用。总之,网络同一性实验整体上不利于大学生自我同一性的发展,但若把握好"度"也可以发挥其积极作用。     

Field independence, lateralization and defensive style

This study investigated the relationship between field independence and defense clustering as measured by the Defense Mechanisms Inventory and lateral eye movements. Subjects had previously been classified either as hysterical or obsessive style by the Rorschach and WAIS Comprehension subtest. Previous findings indicate that these subjects have a preferred direction of lateral eye movement in a questioning format (hysterical style = left; obsessive style = right). This study found no relationship between field independence and defense clustering and lateral eye movements. To the extent that eye gaze indexes hemispheric activation, we conclude that neither field independence nor defense clustering was related to hemispheric lateralization.     

CORRECTIONS FOR THE "ON THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF THE MMPI" PAPER

Five validity studies of scales in the Study of Imagery are reported. Multistage Bonferroni procedures are used to evaluate significance of results. Scales of superego strength and id derivatives both correlate positively with neuroticism as measured by the Eysenck Personality Inventory. The scale of ego strength correlates positively with a measure indicating aspects of behavioral self-control. The scale measuring sense of identity correlates positively with measures of adaptive ego strength and of behavioral self-control, and negatively with a measure of behavioral conflict and one measure of toughmindedness.     

Structured Terror: Further Exploring the Effects of Mortality Salience and Personal Need for Structure on Worldview Defense

ABSTRACT Previous research indicates that people respond to heightened death‐related cognition with increased defense of predominant cultural beliefs (cultural worldview defense). However, recent research indicates that individual differences in personal need for structure (PNS) impact responses to threatening thoughts of death such that those high, but not low, in PNS respond to death thoughts by seeking a highly structured, clear, and coherent view of the world. Research has yet to fully consider the extent to which PNS affects the cultural worldview defenses typically exhibited after death is rendered salient. The current 3 studies examine the potential for PNS to determine the extent to which people respond to mortality salience with increased worldview defense. In all three studies PNS was measured and mortality salience induced. Subsequently, university‐related (Study 1) or religious (Studies 2 and 3) worldview defense was assessed. Only individuals high in PNS responded to mortality salience with increased worldview defense.     

TOWARD VERIFYING THE ASSUMPTIONS OF LABORATORY-INDUCED SLIPS OF THE TONGUE: THE OUTPUT-ERROR AND EDITING ISSUES

During the second half of the past decade, psycholinguistic models of speech production have been modified to include a “prearticulatory editing” component, the supposed function of which is to verify the linguistic integrity of impending phoneme strings destined for articulation. Empirical support for psycholinguistic editing comes primarily from studies by the present authors on laboratory-induced verbal slips. All of these studies have depended upon two crucial claims: that laboratory slips are errors of output, and that error-rate differentials are evidence of editing. Recently, however, it has been recognized that neither of these assumptions has been convincingly demonstrated, and consequently the editing models instigated by the earlier studies are being reassessed. The present study tested these two assumptions directly. The output-error assumption was supported by finding larger Galvanic Skin Resistance (GSR) responses for verbal slips than for correct vocalizations. The editing assumption was supported by finding that presumably edited vocal responses (identified by GSR) require more processing time (i.e., vocal response latency) than unedited responses. The reasoning from the empirical observations to conclusions about these assumptions is discussed in detail. Secondarily, a hypothesized social acceptability editing criterion was supported by the observation that neutral verbal slips outnumber taboo counterparts.     

Getting older, getting better? Personal strivings and psychological maturity across the life span.

Measures of psychological maturity based on personal strivings (R. A. Emmons, 1989) were administered to 108 adults aged 17-82. On the basis of organismic-theoretical assumptions regarding maturity, age was hypothesized to be positively associated with K. M. Sheldon and T. Kasser's (1995, 1998) two goal-based measures of personality integration. E. Erikson's (1963) assumptions regarding maturity were the basis for the hypothesis that older people would tend to list more strivings concerning generativity and ego integrity and fewer strivings concerning identity and intimacy. Finally, on the basis of past research findings, maturity and age were hypothesized to be positively associated with subjective well-being. Results supported these hypotheses and also showed that measured maturity mediated the relationship between age and well-being. Thus, older individuals may indeed be more psychologically mature than younger people and may be happier as a result.     

内隐自尊效应及内隐自尊与外显自尊的关系

研究运用内隐联想测验对内隐自尊进行了研究和测量,同时还运用结构方程建模对外显自尊和内隐自尊的结构关系进行了研究,结果表明：(1)东方文化下内隐自尊是存在的,个体无意识中对自我持有一种积极的评价,但强度不如西方个体。(2)内隐自尊与外显自尊是相对独立的两个不同的结构,二者间仅存在低的正相关。     

By the numbers: Structure-seeking individuals prefer quantitative over qualitative representations of personal value to compensate for the threat of unclear performance contingencies

What combination of dispositional and situational factors leads people to represent their personal value in quantitative terms (e.g., salary) rather than qualitative terms (e.g., virtue)? Integrating research on quantitative information seeking, dispositional epistemic motivation, and learned helplessness, the current article hypothesized that individuals high, but not low, in uncertainty avoidance (measured with the Personal Need for Structure Scale [PNS]) would prefer quantitative (over qualitative) value representations to compensate for the diminished self-esteem certainty caused by exposure to unclear performance contingencies. Accordingly, in Study 1 high-PNS participants exposed to unclear (vs. clear) performance contingencies in one domain (visual intelligence) preferred a quantitative value representation in another domain (verbal intelligence). Study 2 showed that this effect is mediated by self-esteem certainty, not self-esteem level. Study 3 included a failure feedback condition to further isolate the role of epistemic motivation, as distinct from self-enhancement motivation, in driving the tendency to quantify personal value.     

Identity Closure: A Fifth Identity Status

This study examined identity status and self-actualization of young adults (N = 41), who were administered a revised identity interview (based on Marcia's interview) and a measure of self-actualization (the Personal Orientation Inventory). A fifth status, identity closure, was added to account for status regression and re-foreclosure, found in previous studies. This addition prompted a revision of the operational definition of identity achievement to include three criteria: exploration, tentative commitment, and openness to alternatives. Open achieved individuals scored higher than closed individuals on the measure of self-actualization, suggesting some validity for the revised operational definition of identity achievement and providing support for Eriksonian theory. Theoretical implications and the development of a revised paradigm are discussed.     

THE CONCEPT OF ENTITLEMENT AND ITS EPISTEMIC RELEVANCE

Crispin Wright has recently suggested that, in addition to the notion of justification, we also possess a non‐evidential notion of warrant, ‘entitlement’, that can play an important role in responding to various skeptical questions. My concern here is with the question of whether entitlement constitutes an epistemic kind of warrant. I claim Wright's argument for this thesis at most shows that entitlement has a pragmatic character. Having identified the sources of the troubles of this argument in its underlying assumptions, I examine and criticize a number of attempts that have sought to substantiate those assumptions. I offer some suggestions as to how one can improve on Wright's account and make some general observations about the prospects of showing that entitlement is an epistemic type of warrant.