The Prevalence and Incremental Validity of Identity Problem Symptoms in a High School Sample

    Authors

    S. L. Berman; C. F. Weems;V. F. Petkus

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Child Psychiat. Hum. Dev.

    Keywords

    Identity problem; Adolescence; Adjustment; EGO-IDENTITY; YOUTH; ADOLESCENTS; VALIDATION; DISORDERS; CHILDHOOD; Psychology, Developmental; Pediatrics; Psychiatry

    Abstract

    This paper examines the expression, prevalence, and incremental validity of identity problem symptoms in adolescence. A sample of high school students (N = 140) aged 15-18 completed measures of identity problem symptoms, identity status, and psychological symptom severity. Findings suggested that 14.3% would meet DSM IV criteria for identity problem. Identity problem symptoms predicted psychological symptom scores beyond identity status, and identity status accounted for substantially less variance in psychological symptom severity when controlling for identity problem symptoms. Additional research on the relationship between identity problems and psychological adjustment is needed and greater attention to the role of identity issues in clinical practice is warranted.

    Journal Title

    Child Psychiatry & Human Development

    Volume

    40

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2009

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    183

    Last Page

    195

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000263510900002

    ISSN

    0009-398X

    Share

    COinS