Identity Status and Moral Reasoning: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Marcia's identity statuses and Kohlberg's stages of moral reasoning through techniques of meta-analysis. The following databases were examined for relevant studies from 1967 to 2005 using the search terms “identity status,” “Marcia and identity,” “Marcia's and identity,” and “ego identity”: PsycINFO, ERIC, Sociological Abstracts, and Dissertation Abstracts International. The search found 17 studies that examined linkages between moral reasoning and identity development, and 10 provided sufficient detail for examination through meta-analysis. The results showed a strong association between high identity status and postconventional moral reasoning (mean OR = 4.57) and between identity achievement and postconventional moral reasoning (mean OR = 6.85), and a small to moderate positive mean correlation between identity status and moral reasoning (). The results are discussed in terms of implications for future research.

Notes

Note. Identity instruments: 1 = Identity Status Interview; 2 = Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (EOM-EIS); 3 = Dellas Identity Status Inventory. Moral reasoning instruments: MJI = Moral Judgement Interview; DIT = Defining Issues Test.

Note. K = number of studies; N = total number of participants; OR = odds ratio; 95% CI = 95% confidence interval; Q = test of variation among studies. The analysis is based on a random effects model.

*p < .05.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kine Jespersen

Kine Jesperson is now at Child and Youth Psychiatric Services, Mid-Troms Mental Health Center, Silsand, Norway.