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Abstract
The relationship between separation–individuation and identity development was investigated in a sample of runaway/homeless adolescents (N = 83). Participants were 18–21 years (M = 19.4, SD = 0.86). The ethnic distribution consisted of 50.6% African American, 24.1% European American, 18.1% Hispanic American and 7.2% Other. Participants provided demographic information and completed the Separation Individuation Test of Adolescence (SITA) and the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire. The hypotheses that Healthy Separation (one of the nine SITA variables) would predict Identity Exploration and Identity Commitment were not supported. Hierarchical regression analyses yielded only one statistically significant finding: Practicing Mirroring (a SITA subscale that measures narcissistic self-confidence derived from feedback from others) predicted Identity Commitment scores. These results support the importance of caregiver encouragement during the identity development process. Consideration of the separation– individuation process in this population and its role in identity development are reviewed as implications for intervention within out-of-home placements.
Acknowledgements
This publication was partially supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau through grant number 5T71MC00011. Additional gratitude is extended to the homeless shelter staff and residents who facilitated this project through their support and participation and to Joshua Landau, Carla Strassle, and Steven Jacob for their valuable comments on drafts of this article. This article was completed in partial requirement for post-doctoral fellowship in the Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Program at Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Adolescent Medicine and Sports Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Notes
1. An a priori power analysis indicated that a minimum of 80 subjects would provide 78% power to detect a two-variable correlation coefficient of at least 0.30.