Identity Status Differences among Italian Adolescents: Associations with Parent and Peer Attachment Relationships

Abstract

Based on identity status model, this cross-sectional study examined adolescents identity formation analyzing its association with parent and peer attachment. A sample of 1,480 adolescents from Italy completed self-report measures assessing ego identity status, and the perceived quality of parent and peer attachment. Adolescents who achieved an integrated identity status seemed to perceive a high quality of attachment both with parents and peers reporting main levels of trust and communication. On the contrary diffused and foreclosed adolescents reported more intensive feelings of distancing than the others groups, even if on the whole they did not differ significantly from youngsters in moratorium status. The implications of the findings, limitations and suggestions for future theoretical and empirical development of research in this field are discussed.