The current study aimed to investigate the development of commitment, reconsideration, and self concept clarity in adolescents aged 11-24 at three different time points. Moreover, it examined the...Show moreThe current study aimed to investigate the development of commitment, reconsideration, and self concept clarity in adolescents aged 11-24 at three different time points. Moreover, it examined the relationship between the variables and the development of the specific relationship over time. It was expected that commitment and self-concept clarity would be related positively with age, while reconsideration would be related negatively. In addition, it was assumed that commitment would have a positive correlation with self-concept clarity and that the relationship would develop positively throughout adolescence. Lastly, it was assumed that reconsideration would relate negatively with self-concept clarity and the relationship would develop negatively throughout the different time points. Adolescents (N = 198, M age = 16.6) completed the 12-item measure of self concept clarity (SCC) and the single-item version of the Utrecht Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U-MICS). A repeated measures ANOVA showed no evidence of development in the SCC (p = .46), commitment (p = .34), and reconsideration (p = .20). A Pearson correlation coefficient analysis performed a positive correlation between commitment and SCC (r = .19) and a negative correlation between reconsideration and SCC (r = -.21). Α nonlinear development in the relationship between SCC with commitment and SCC with reconsideration was found within the three different time points. Future research on the relationship and development between the above variables should include a larger and more diverse sample and questionnaire items that will provide more insights and detailed data about identity formation and SCC. In addition, future research should also consider other developmental factors that influence the sense of self and identity formation.Show less
