NCJ Number
121956
Journal
Journal of Adolescence Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1989) Pages: 361-374
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The relationships between ethnicity and identity status and between identity status and behavior problems, social competence, and self-esteem were examined among 330 white, black, Puerto Rican, and Filipino students in an integrated high school.
Abstract
Identity status was defined on the basis of a 24-item self-report inventory on which students rated their explorations of options and/or commitments to choices in their occupational, political, and religious domains. Ethnic status was assessed in an eight-item questionnaire which assessed exploration and commitment to one's ethnic role. Results indicate that white students in the upper grades perceived themselves as more likely to have explored and become committed to their ethnic role than minority youth. There were no significant ethnic differences in the relationships of identity status to behavior problems, social competence or self-esteem. Grade and sex differences in identity status were consistent with those predicted by developmental researchers. Across all ethnic groups, ratings of moratorium status were associated with significantly more behavior problems, less social competence, and lower self-esteem. 2 tables and 28 references. (Author abstract modified)