Adolescent Attachment and Ego Identity: A Structural Equations Approach to the Continuity of Adaptation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent relation between adolescent attachment to parents and the achievement of ego identity in late adolescence within a lifespan continuity of adaptation frame-work. Also examined were the contribution of parental control to the formation of attachment and the acquisition of ego identity. One-hundred one college freshmen responded to at least two measures (each) of parental attachment, ego identity, and maternal and paternal control. Model testing in a structural equations analysis showed that (a) there was no relation between adolescent attachment and ego identity; (b) adolescents who perceived that their parents were controlling reported weak attachment; and (c) adolescent identity achievement was inhibited by perceptions of high parental control. The first finding was discussed in terms of its implications for a lifespan theory of adolescent attachment and the continuity of adaptation framework. The latter two findings were discussed in terms of the growing literature on family dynamics and identity development. Implications for future research are drawn.