Socialization models and the construction of self

Abstract

The study analyzes relationships between socialization practices and identity. A special form of role construct repertory grid was applied to 2 groups of preadolescents who had experienced opposed socialization practices. Group 1 was raised within a “polyadic model” with several caregivers and multiple attachments, and Group 2 was raised within a “dyadic model” with a single caregiver who had privileged relationship with the child. Those in Group 1 were found to be more multidimensional and more inclined than those in Group 2 to construe themselves and others ambivalently. They also tended to identify with more people than those in Group 2, who identified with 1 or at most 2 people. Those in Group 1 tended to distinguish more clearly between “me as I am” and “me as others see me”. These results are discussed and interpreted as adaptation strategies for different social contexts.