Wajiha Haider

BS 3rd year (MA previous) B2

Review paper

Identity development in people with mild intellectual

disability: A short-term longitudinal study

Introduction

The term identity in general refers to “who am I?” Or “who are we?” this theoretical construct is

defined by Erikson(1950) as a set of beliefs about our own self, our surrounding, feeling of

uniqueness, integrity and of continuity. Later, the theory was modified by Marcia, which is based

on two constructs: exploration and commitment. Exploration is assessing the situation before

engaging in an action, whereas commitment comes after exploration consisting of taking a

decision and engaging in action. Further, the identity formation was developed by Koen Luyckx

which suggested that identity formation is more complex than two-stage model. He discovered

the existence of three types of exploration: exploration in breadth, exploration in depth, and

ruminative exploration. Two types of commitment: commitment making, and identification with

commitment. The dual cycle of identity formation (Luyckx 2007) states that the first cycle of

identity formation occurs when individual take on exploration in breadth and commitment

making. The second cycle occur through exploration in depth and identity formation. However,

the scores on the dimensions of identity change with age and decline in exploration and more

inclined towards commitment are observed through period of adolescence. Cognitive

development plays major role in formation of identity. People with intellectual disability ID,

develop the identity according to the same sequence as their non disabled counterparts (Ziegler

2001). The difference occur in latency, individuals with ID tend to exhibit slower identity

formation than individuals without ID, but they would be similar to younger individuals within

the same intellectual norms.

Method

Participants

Total of 127 individuals were selected and were categorized into four groups (A,B,C,D). Group

A had individuals with ID, and were adolescent. Group B were group of individuals in early

adulthood with ID, group C had non disabled (ND) individuals in adolescence. Group D had ND

individuals in early adulthood.

Tool

Dimensions of identity development scale - version PL-1.

Procedure

Permission to conduct the experiment was obtained through the head of school. Written informed

consents were obtained from parents of minor participants. Data was collected in three waves

with 6 month gap in between each waves. At each wave, participants completed the identity

measure individually in a school room with only researcher being present. The questionnaire

items were read aloud and answers were recorded on response form. Each session lasted 30 min.

Result
The research does not supported the hypotheses and was in direct contradiction, as it was

observed that, group B (individuals with ID during early adulthood) exhibit greater exploration

in depth than their non disabled peers.

The statistical analysis method (ANOVA) was applied and change in the commitment making

was observed in group A (ID, adolescent), there was significant difference in commitment

making at wave 2 and 3, with time the groups showed increase in this dimensions of identity.

However, no change in remaining dimensions of identity was observed among four groups.

Discussion

Prior to this research, it was assumed that individuals with mild ID are different from the

individuals without ID. However, the results of the study did not supported the hypothesis. The

individuals with ID make decisions about their life and the level of anxiety during this decision

making is similar to non disabled individuals. The participants in this study were only with mild

ID. Hence, the findings apply to this particular group only.

The only difference, observed at wave 2, in regard to exploration in depth was opposite of what

was predicted, as people with ID during early adulthood assessed that They engaged to a greater

extent than their non disabled peers in an extensive review of their own life choices deciding

whether they were appropriate and satisfactory. It was predicted that individuals with ID will

have low level of exploration in depth remaining through late adolescence and early adulthood.

However, younger individuals with mild ID do not differ from individuals without the disability.

The results obtained through this study were far smaller and in the different direction than

expected.

It could be concluded from the study, that the identity formation is a complex process that varies

from individual to individual and that, a certain age cannot be pointed out to observe the identity
formation process. The limitations of this study was small group size, that cannot be generalized

over a large population. Another weak aspect of this study was in participant selection, as all

participants selected were getting education from school throughout the study. That is a major

factor is identity formation in its own self.

Comments

Taking Alfred alder's theory in account, the identity formation could be affected by the birth

order. And, this in turn impacts the findings of the research. If the participants are first born they

may perform well in resolution of crisis or they might show poor performance in identity

formation as they feel neglected or jealous by the other sibling. The check for fixation in the

psychosexual stages (Freud) should be considered prior to selecting the participants as it might

influence the identity formation may it be individual with or without ID.