Description

The Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (EOM-EIS) is a psychometric tool used to assess self-identity, particularly in the context of psychological development and identity formation. Revised from its original version, the EOM-EIS provides a comprehensive method for evaluating identity-related attitudes and development in adults and young individuals.

The scale is based on James Marcia’s identity theory, which outlines four identity statuses: identity achievement, identity diffusion, identity moratorium, and identity foreclosure.

Purpose

The main objectives of the EOM-EIS are:

Identity Status Assessment: To determine an individual’s level of identity development as described by Marcia’s model.
Identification of Developmental Areas: To identify areas where intervention or support may be needed to foster personal identity growth.
Research and Understanding: To support research on identity development and contribute to understanding how identity influences other aspects of psychological health and behavior.

Scoring

Scoring of the EOM-EIS involves evaluating responses to a series of questions related to identity formation. Each question corresponds to one of the four main identity statuses, and the scores are adjusted to determine the individual’s current identity state. Key steps in scoring include:

Response Collection: Participants answer questions related to the four identity statuses.
Score Calculation: Responses are scored to determine the representation of each identity status.
Categorization: Results are categorized according to Marcia’s identity status model (achievement, diffusion, moratorium, foreclosure).

Analysis

Analysis of the EOM-EIS results involves:

Determining Identity Status: Identifying the individual’s identity status based on their answers.
Development Assessment: Analyzing the extent to which the individual has achieved identity development and identifying areas that may need further growth.
Intervention Strategies: Using the results to design support or intervention strategies aimed at furthering identity development.

References

Marcia, J. E. (1966). “Development and Validation of Ego-Identity Status.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 3(5), 551–558.
Adams, G. R., & Marshall, S. K. (1996). “A developmental-social psychological perspective on identity: A review and critique.” In G. R. Adams, R. Montemayor, & T. P. Gullotta (Eds.), Adolescent Identity Formation. Sage Publications.
Kroger, J. (2007). Identity Development: Adolescence through Adulthood. Sage Publications.
Schwartz, S. J., Côté, J. E., & Arnett, J. J. (2005). “Identity and agency in emerging adulthood: Two developmental routes in the individualization process.” Youth & Society, 37(2), 201–229.