TO UNDERSTAND AND COMPARETHE IDENTITY FORMATION PROCESS IN ADOLESCENTSON THE BASIS OF GENDER AND AGE THROUGH JAMES MARCIAS MODEL OF IDENTITY STATUSES

The purpose of the study was to investigate Marcias ego identity paradigm in the Indian adolescent population.The study examined the role of age and gender and on the process of Identity formation. A representative sample of 161 adolescents(girls and boys) was collected across three different age groups 13-15, 15-17 and 17-19 years. The Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (EIPQ) was used to measure participants level of Exploration and Commitment and accordingly classify them into one of Marcias four Ego Identity Statuses: Achievement, Moratorium, Foreclosure, and Diffusion identity.The results indicated that most of the adolescents in todays times are realistic and more informed about their lives and decisions. Thus, mean scores for both girls (70.24) and boys (70.24) were high in Identity Achievement. Also, both genders were found to be equally active in exploration and commitment domains.The T- scores indicated the comparison between girls and boys in different Identity statuses. The values were found to be non- significant indicating an equal growth in both the genders.