Pathways of identity development in college women

In order to study pathways of identity achievement, the identity statuses of college women were assessed through an interview procedure. Based on areas of identity achievement, the women were designated as following a female pathway, a male pathway, an androgynous pathway, or no pathway. Women in the female pathway were significantly higher on self-esteem than women in the male pathway. In addition, youthfulness was positively related to self-esteem. The results were interpreted to indicate difficulties of choice confronting modern women. Commitments in nontraditional areas such as career and ideological concerns may raise anxieties for women which are reflected in lower self-esteem.The authors wish to thank Dave Drissel, Jimmy Hahn, Randy Herschel, and Sue McGovern for their assistance in interviewing and rating the interviews.