Dynamics of identity components relations and its status among students

The authors examine native and foreign approaches to the dynamics of identity statuses and its components. We have analyzed the modern approaches to the identity theory by James Marcia and further development of his ideas (Meeus, 2001; Crocetti et al., 2008; Crocetti, Rubini, and Meeus, 2008), selection of new, intermediate identity statuses (early closure, searching moratorium etc.), as well as the tools for their research (Utrecht- Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U-MICS). The native approach to this problem is also analyzed (Schneider, Soldatova, etc.). The problem is understudied in Russian science. Using the Twenty Statements Test by Kuhn M. H. and McPartland and SEI-test by Soldatova E.L. on the sample of 250 subjects (112 males and 138 females) the authors investigate the peculiarities of relations among different identity components and ego-identity status. First, we revealed that the dynamics of different identity components in adolescence is not variable. The major part of the dynamics accrues to the educational and professional component (it decreases by the third year of studying, than increases again), to perspective component (increases by graduation), to family (increases steadily) and self-description in the terms of belonging to different informal groups (decreases by graduation). Second, the dynamics of ego-identity statuses, measured by SEI-test, differs from the status change, described by Marcia. The identity statuses are identity diffusion, moratorium, foreclosure and identity achievement. The crisis of ego-identity structure of students is revealed between second and third years of study. Between first and second years the foreclosure status is less expressed. It may be related with students' gradual coming into educational process and into a new social role. But the decrease is offset by gradual increase of identity diffusion status. Third, there are specific connections among identity components and ego-identity statuses in different periods of time. At the first stage of study the major part of identity components relations coincides with identity achievement, later they correspond to foreclosure and identity diffusion statuses. Moreover, particular components turn out to be related in greater degree with a definite status (e.g. the personal component and identity diffusion status during the first three years of university).

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