Ego Identity Status and Conformity

Author

Joseph J. Hoffman, Utah State University

Date of Award:

5-1982

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

Gerald R. Adams (Committee Co-Chair), Elwin C. Nielsen (Committee Co-Chair)

Committee

Gerald R. Adams

Committee

Elwin C. Nielsen

Committee

William R. Dobson

Committee

Michael R. Bertoch

Committee

Andrew A. Helwig

Abstract

The relationship between the Eriksonian concept of ego identity status and the social process of conformity was investigated. Ego identity status was measured by the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (OM-EIS) (Adams, Shea, and Fitch, 1979). A total of 87 subjects were categorized into one of the four ego identity status groups: Diffusion, Foreclosure, Moratorium, and Identity Achievement. Conformity was measured by peer ratings, and experimental task, and by three self-report personality measures. Two of the conformity measures supported the main hypothesis that those in the less mature ego identity statuses (Diffusion and Foreclosure) would demonstrate the most conformity behavior. More specifically, peers rated males in the Diffusion and Foreclosure statuses as more conforming, and males and females in the Diffusion status rated themselves as more conforming on a peer pressure conformity self-report. In light of these results, the relationship between conformity and ego identity status is discussed.

Checksum

76e53a1d045a39d61a878e0fbe6cc50e

Recommended Citation

Hoffman, Joseph J., "Ego Identity Status and Conformity" (1982). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 5932.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/5932