Identity Statuses among Kuwaitis

Abstract

The present study investigated the identity statuses: Achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, and diffusion, and their ideological and relational aspects in samples of Kuwaiti adolescents, youth, and adults (N=3621 aged between 12 and 64 years; 1159 (or 32%) males, and 2462 (or 68%) females; and 2945 (or 81.3%) aged 24 years and younger, and 676 (or 18.7%) aged 25 years and older. By using an Arabic version of Bennion’s and Adams’ Extended Objective Measure of Ego Statuses – 2 (EOMES – 2). Results showed that a) 18.8%, 16.0%, 20.5%, and 17.3% of Kuwaiti participants were classified as identity achieved, moratorium, foreclosed or diffused, respectively. B) Males, compared with their female counterparts, scored significantly higher on Achievement and Foreclosure, and their ideological and relational aspects. No significant differences have been found between the two sexes on Moratorium and Diffusion and their ideological and relational components. c) Younger subjects, compared with older ones, scored significantly higher on Moratorium, Foreclosure and Diffusion, and lower on Achievement. d) Higher educated participants, compared with lower educated ones- scored higher on Achievement and Moratorium and lower on Foreclosure and Diffusion. e) Participants with literature, social and humanitarian backgrounds were significantly higher on Moratorium and Foreclosure identity statuses, compared with participants with sciences and technology backgrounds. No significant differences have been found between the two groups concerning their performance on Achievement and Diffusion. Results of the present study came in line with results of Arab and non -Arab previous studies. The possibility of application of the results in practical fields were discussed and suggestions for further research were provided.