Quality of Familial Relations in Childhood and Ego Identity Formation: The Moderating Influence of Dispositions of Action Control

Abstract

This article examines the relation between the retrospective evaluation of family relationships in childhood, ego identity formation, and self-regulation (disposition of action control). The Relationship-Context-Scale, a short version of the Action Control Scale, and the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status were administered to 176 participants. Analyses revealed that the relation of early family context and identity formation is moderated by individuals' action and state orientation. Family conflict in childhood did not interfere with successful identity formation of action- oriented participants. In contrast, individuals with a state-oriented disposition of action control seemed to benefit from a positive family climate during childhood with respect to their identity formation.