Social-Cognitive Aspects of Identity Style

Abstract

This investigation examined the relationship between identity style and various social-cognitive dispositions: need for cognition, openness to experience, and introspection. Identity style refers to the manner in which individuals characteristically process self-relevant information, solve personal problems, and negotiate identity issues. A maximum likelihood factor analysis indicated that self-reported use of a cogitative information-oriented style loaded on two factors. One was marked by information-seeking variables, the other by self-reflective tendencies. A normative style loaded negatively on a bipolarfactor defined by openness to values and actions, suggesting that norm-oriented itndividuals tend to protect themselves from potentially dissonant experience and information. Reported use of a diffuse/avoidant style was associated with a heightened emphasis on a social identity, indicating a reliance on immediate social reinforcements. Results are discussed in terms of a process model of identity formation.