Date of Award
1996
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between life style, as reflected in the manifest content of participants' early recollections, and identity status type. In addition, early recollections were used to assess the early mother-child and early father-child relationships of participants. Finally, the present study sought to examine the relationship between identity status type and social interest. Fifty male and eighty-five female high school students participated in this study. First, students recorded three early recollections. The first recollection requested was the participants' earliest memory, followed by the earliest memory of mother and then the earliest memory of father. Students then completed the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (OMEIS) (Adams, Shea, & Fitch, 1979) and the Social Interest Scale (SIS) (Crandall, 1975). Several significant differences were found between status type and the manifest content of early recollections. Post-hoc analysis revealed a greater number of significant differences among female participants compared to male participants. Identity achievement and moratorium females recalled memories involving parents as a potential source of conflict as well as a source of strength and support. On the other hand, the early recollections of foreclosure females indicated a tentative, hesitant approach to life and a desire to seek safety and security from parents. Diffusion female adolescents most frequently recalled memories involving negative affect and indicated the themes of punishment and fear or threatening situations. Few significant differences were found in the early recollections of the different identity status types among male participants. No significant differences were found between status type and early experiences with parents. In addition, no significant differences were found between identity status type and social interest.
Recommended Citation
Slaughter, Patty-Jeanne, "Life Style, As Reflected In The Manifest Content Of Early Recollections, And Social Interest In Four Identity Status Type Adolescents" (1996). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 829.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/829