The Hierarchical Structure of Personal Identity in Emerging Adults: Is There an “I” Factor?

Although multiple personal identity models have been proposed since Erikson’s pioneering conceptualizations, there is a lack of studies comparing the existing models. The present investigation aimed at reducing the 21 personal identity scales on the basic dimensions of identity in emerging adults. The study sample encompassed 385 participants (78.4% female), ages ranging from 18 to 29 years (M = 21.60, SD = 2.73). The psychometric properties of all the instruments used here were shown to be favourable in the Serbian context. The method used here is “bass-ackwards” sequential factors Principal Component Analysis. This method yielded five components: General Identity Factor, Firm Commitments, Deliberate Identity Construction, Immature Identity Style, and Deliberate Exploration. External correlates (internal locus of control, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression) of the five dimensions are meaningful and point to their (mal) adaptive nature. The study concludes with the limitations, especially pertaining to the general factor of identity (its possible artefactual nature).