Author(s): Mehmet Ertuğrul UÇAR Ümit MORSÜNBÜL Hasan ATAK
Identity development is important developmental task in adolescence. Since Erikson introduced identity development theory several identity formation models were proposed. One of them is Berzonsky’s social-cognitive identity model. Berzonsky developed an identity formation model which involves social-cognitive processes. According to this model, social-cognitive model each identity styles involve different social-cognitive processes. In social cognitive approach proposed that individuals use different strategies dealing with problem solving, decision making and identity topics. In this model, there have been three identity-processing orientations: informational, normative, and diffuse–avoidant. Need for closure describe an individual’s desire for a firm answer to a question and an aversion toward ambiguity. The term “need” denotes a motivated tendency to seek out information. Kruglanski asserted that some people have high level of need for closure. Epistemological beliefs are individuals’ ideas about what knowledge is and subjective beliefs about how to knowing and learning take place. These beliefs effect that how people approach and deal with the topic which they will learn in the future. Although identity formation is crucial developmental task during emerging adulthood, the role of need for closure and epistemological beliefs in the identity development is not well understood. Although identity formation is crucial developmental task during emerging adulthood, the role of need for closure and epistemological beliefs in the identity development is not well understood. In light of the literature the aim of this study is to examine whether need for closure and epistemological beliefs predict identity styles during emerging adulthood. The research group consisted of 238 (71.3% female, 29,7% male) university students. To collect data the Scientific Epistemological Beliefs Survey, Need for Closure Scale and Identity Style Inventory were used. We used a structural equation model in order to investigate relations among need for closure, epistemological beliefs and identity styles. The preliminary analyses showed that the full model linking epistemological beliefs, need for closure and identity styles fitted the data well, Overall, we found that epistemological beliefs and need for closure significantly predict identity styles. Specifically, epistemological beliefs significantly predicted informational identity style and need for closure but didn’t significantly predict normative and diffuse–avoidant identity styles. Need for closure significantly predicted normative identity style but didn’t predict significantly informational and diffuse-avoidant identity styles. In conclusion, the study revealed that need for closure and epistemological beliefs are important factors in the identity formation in emerging adulthood.
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