Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Identity and Disruptiveness in Boys: Longitudinal Perspectives

  • Published:
Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

After more than 30 years of research on identity, the links between identity and disruptive behaviors are not clear. This study compared the identity formation of boys with stable disruptive behaviors from age 6 to age 15 (n = 16), with the identity formation of boys that were never disruptive during the same period (n = 25). All boys came from low socio-economic status families. At age 9 and 11, identity was assessed with the The Self-Perception Profile for Children (Harter, 1985). At age 15, identity was assessed with the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (Adams, Bennion, & Huh, 1989) and two scales of the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire (Offer, Ostrov, & Howard, 1981). Differences between disruptive and non-disruptive boys were found only for behavior in childhood and identity in ideological domains at age 15. Explanations for the weakness of the link between identity and disruptiveness are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adams, (1994). Revised classification criteria for the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status: A rejoinder. Journal of Adolescence, 17, 551–556.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adams, G. R., Bennion, L., & Huh, K. (1989). Objective measure of ego identity status: A reference manual. Guelph University.

  • Adams, G. R., & Marshall, S. K. (1996). A developmental social psychology of identity: Understanding the person-in-context. Journal of Adolescence, 19(5), 429–442.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Adamson, L., & Lyxell, B. (1996). Self-concept and questions of life: Identity development during late adolescence. Journal of Adolescence, 19(6), 569–582.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Alfieri, T., Ruble, D. N., & Higgins, E. T. (1996). Gender stereotypes during adolescence: Developmental changes and transition to junior high school. Developmental Psychology, 32(6), 1129–1137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Talib, N. I., & Griffin, C. (1994). Labelling effect on adolescents' self-concept. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 38(1), 47–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bishop, D. I., Macy-Lewis, J. A., Schnekloth, C. A., Puswella, S., & Struessel, G. L. (1997). Ego identity status and reported alcohol consumption: A study of first-year college students. Journal of Adolescence, 20(2), 209–218.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Byrne, B. M. (1996). Measuring self-concept across the life span. Washington: APA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, D. B. (1987). The roles of peers in sex roles socialization. In D. B. Carter (Ed.), Current conceptions of sex roles and sex typing-Theory and research (pp. 101–121). New York, Wesport (CT) and London: Praeger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cole, P. G., Chan, L. K. S., & Lytton, L. (1989). Perceived competence of juvenile delinquents and nondelinquents. The Journal of Special Education, 23(3), 294–302.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Combs, A. W., Avila, D. L., & Purkey, W. W. (1979). Self-concept: Product and producer of experience. In D. P. Elkinse (Ed.), Self-Concept Sourcebook-Ideas and Activities for Building Self-Esteem, (pp. 77–93) New York: Groth Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. E. (1996). Sociological perspectives on identity formation: The culture-identity link and identity capital. Journal of Adolescence, 19(5), 417–428.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cournoyer, R. J., & Mahalik, J. R. (1995). Cross-sectional study of gender role conflict examining college-aged and middle-aged men. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 42(1), 11–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eisler, R. M., Skidmore, J. R., & Ward, C. H. (1988). Masculine gender-role stress: Predictor of anger, anxiety, and health-risk behaviors. Journal of Personality Assessment, 52(1), 133–141.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elders, M. A. (1989). An investigation of the expression and appreciation of humor and hostile wit and ego identity status in male and female college students. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Columbia University.

  • Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. New York: W.W. Norton and Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, R. C., Copus, G. D., Sullenberger, T. E., & Hodgkinson, F. P. (1993). Self-concept comparisons of english and american delinquents. International Journal of Effender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 37(4), 297–312.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, R. C., Levy, L., Sullenberger, T. E., & Vyas, A. (1991). Self-concept and delinquency: The on-going debate. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 16(3/4), 59–74.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fulton, A. S. (1995). Identity status, religious orientation, and prejudice. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 26(1), 1–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galambos, N. L., Almeida, D. M., & Petersen, A. C. (1990). Masculinity, feminity, and sex role attitudes in early adolescence: Exploring gender intensification. Child Development, 61, 1905–1914.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Garnefski, N., & Okma, S. (1996). Addiction-risk and aggressive/criminal behaviour in adolescence: Influence of family, school and peers. Journal of Adolescence, 19(6), 503–512.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Good, G. E., Robertson, J. M., O'Neil, J. M., Fitzgerald, L. F., Stevens, M., DeBord, K. A., Bartels, K. M., & Braverman, D. G. (1995). Male gender role conflict: Psychometric issues and relations to psychological distress. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 42(1), 3–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hagell, A., & Newburn, T. (1996). Family and social contexts of adolescent re-offenders. Journal of adolescence, 19(1), 5–18.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hart, D. (1988). The development of personal identity in adolescence: A philosophical dilemna approach. Merrill-Palmer Quaterly, 34(1), 105–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harter, S. (1982). The Perceived Competence Scale for children. Child Development, 53, 87–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harter, S. (1985). Manual for the self-perception profile for children. Denver: University of Denver.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harter, S. (1990). Processes underlying adolescent self-concept formation. In M. Montemayor, G. A. Adams, & T. P. Gullotta, (Eds)., From childhood to adolescence-A transitional period?, (pp. 205–236) Newbury Park, London, New Delhi: Sage (Advances in adolescence development, v. 2)

    Google Scholar 

  • Heppner, P. P. (1995). On gender role conflict in men-Future directions and implications for counseling: Comment on Good et al. (1995) and Cournoyer & Mahalik (1995). Journal of Counseling Psychology, 42(1), 20–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hort, B. E., Fagot, B. I., & Leinbach, M. D. (1990). Are people's notions of maleness more stereotypically framed than their notions of femaleness? Sex Roles, 23(3/4), 197–212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, M. H., Reddick, K. B., & Dubes, R. G. (1995). Self-concept correlates betweenat-risk and non-at-risk ninth-grades students. Psychological Reports, 76, 683–687.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, S., & Bosma, H. (1990). Coping and self in adolescence. In H. Bosma, & S. Jackson, (Eds), Coping and self-concept in adolescence, (pp. 1–11). Berlin, New York and Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R. M. (1992). Ego identity and adolescent problem behavior. In G. R. Adams, T. P. Gulotta, & R. Montemayor, (Eds), Adolescent identity formation. (pp. 216–233.) Newbury Park (CA), London and New Delhi: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R. M., Akers, J. F., & White, J. M. (1994). Revised classification criteria for the extended objective measure of ego identity status (EOMEIS). Journal of Adolescence, 17, 533–549.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jurish, A. P., & Andrews, D. (1984). Self-concepts of rural early adolescent juvenile delinquents. Journal of Early Adolescence, 4(1), 41–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Katz, P. A., & Ksansnak (1994). Developmental aspects of gender role flexibility and traditionality in middle childhood and adolescence. Developmental Psychology, 30(2), 272–282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kroger, J. (1993). Ego identity: An overview. In (pp. 1–20). Discussions on ego identity, J. Kroger (Ed), Hillsdale (NJ): Lawrence Erlbraum Ass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kroger, J., & Green, K. E. (1996). Events associated with identity status change. Journal of Adolescence, 19(5), 477–490.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kupersmidt, J. B., & Patterson, C. J. (1991). Childhood peer rejection, aggression, withdrawal, and perceived competence as predictors of self-reported behavior problems in preadolescence. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 19(4), 427–449

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • LeBlanc, M., & Tremblay, R. E. (1988). A study of factors associated with the stability of hidden delinquency. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 1, 269–291.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lempers, J. D., & Clark-Lempers, D. S. (1992). Young, middle, and late adolescents' comparisons of fuctional importance of five significant relationships. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 21(1), 53–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leroux, J.-D. (1988). Étude exploratoire de la formation de l'identité chez les adolescents de familles désunies résidant des quartiers défavorisés. Unpublished master thesis. Université de Montréal.

  • Loevinger, J., & Wessler, R. (1970). Measuring ego development. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maccoby, E. E., & Jacklin, C. N. (1974). The psychology of sex differences. Stanford: Stanford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marcia, J. E. (1980). Identity in adolescence. In J. Adelson (Ed.), Handbook of adolescent psychology, New York: Wiley-Interscience. (pp. 159–172).

    Google Scholar 

  • Marcia, J. E. (1993a). The ego identity status approach to ego identity. In J. E. Marcia, A. S. Waterman, D. R. Matteson, S. L. Archer, & J. L. Orlofsky, (Eds.), Ego identity: A handbook for psychosocial research, (pp. 3–21). New York: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marcia, J. E. (1993b). The status of the statuses: Research review. In J. E. Marcia, A. S. Waterman, D. R. Matteson, S. L. Archer, & J. L. Orlofsky (Eds.), Ego identity: A hand book (pp. 22–41). New York; Springer-Verlag

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh, H. W., & Craven, R. G. (1991). Self-other agreement on multiple dimensions of preadolescent self-concept: Inferences by teachers, mothers, and fathers. Journal of Educational Psychology, 83(3), 393–404.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matteson, D. R. (1993). Differences within and between genders: A challenge to the theory. In J. E. Marcia, A. S. Waterman, D. R. Matteson, S. L. Archer, & J. L. Orlofsky, (Eds.), Ego identity: A handbook for psychosocial research, (pp. 69–110) New York: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCreary, D. R., Wong, F. Y., Wiener, W., Carpenter, K. M., Engle, A., & Nelson, P. (1996). The relationship between masculine gender role stress and psychological adjustment: A question of construct validity? Sex Roles, 34(7/8), 507–516.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meeus, W. (1996). Studies on identity development in adolescence: An overview of research and some data. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 25(5), 569–598.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meeus, W., & Dekovic, M. (1995). Identity development, parental and peer support in adolescence: Results of a national dutch survey. Adolescence, 30(120), 931–944.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Noam, G. G., Recklitis, C. J., & Paget, K. F. (1991). Pathways of ego development: Contributions to maladaptation and adjusment. Development and Psychopathology, 3, 311–328.

    Google Scholar 

  • Novy, D. M., Gaa, J. P., Frankiewicz, R. G., Liberman, D., & Amerikaner, M. (1992). The association between patterns of family functioning and ego development of juvenile offender. Adolescence, 27(105), 25–35.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nurmi, J.-E., Poole, M. E., & Kalakoski, V. (1996). Age differences in adolescent identity exploration and commitment in urban and rural environments. Journal of Adolescence, 19(5), 443–452.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O'Connor, B. (1995). Identity development and perceived parental behavior as sources of adolescent egocentrism. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 24(2), 205–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Offer, D., Ostrov, E., & Howard, K. I., (1981). The adolescent-a psychological selfportrait. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Offer, D., Ostrov, E., Howard, K. I., & Atkinson, R. (1988). The teenage world-Adolescents' self-image in ten countries. New York and London: Plenum medical book.

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Neil, J. M. (1981). Patterns on gender role conflict and strain: Sexism and fear of feminity in men's lives. The Personnel and Guidance Journal, 60(4), 203–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Neil, J. M., Helms, B. J., Gable, R. K., David, L., & Wrightsman, L. S. (1986). Gender-role conflict scale: College men's fear of feminity. Sex Roles, 14(5/6), 335–350.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oyserman, D. (1993). Adolescent identity and delinquency in interpersonal context. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 23(3), 203–214.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Oyserman, D., & Markus, H. R. (1990). Possible selves and delinquency. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59(1), 112–125.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Oyserman, D., & Saltz, E. (1993). Competence, delinquency, and attempts to attain possible selves. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 65(2), 360–374.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paradis, R., & Vitaro, F. (1992). Définition et mesure du concept de soi chez les enfants en difficulté d'adaptation sociale: une recension critique des écrits. Revue canadienne de psycho-éducation, 21(2), 93–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paterson, J., Pryor, J., & Field, J. (1995). Adolescent attachment to parents and friends in relation to aspects of self-esteem. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 24(3), 365–376.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rust, J. O., & McCraw, A. (1984). Influence of masculinity-feminity on adolescent self-esteem and peer acceptance. Adolescence, 19(74), 359–366.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sprinthall, N. A., & Collins, W. A. (1995). Adolescent psychology-A developmental view. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stanley, P. D., Dai, Y., & Nolan, R. F. (1997). Differences in depression and self-esteem reported by learning disabled and behavior disordered middle school students. Journal of Adolescence, 20(2) 219–222.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stephen, J., Fraser, E., & Marcia, J. E. (1992). Moratorium-achievement (Mama) cycles in lifespan identity development: Value orientations and reasoning system correlates. Journal of Adolescence, 15, 283–300.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tremblay, R. E., Desmarais-Gervais, L., Gagnon, C., & Charlebois, P. (1987). The preschool behavior questionnaire: Stability of its factor structure between cultures, sexes, ages and socioeconomic classes. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 10(4), 467–484.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tremblay, R. E., Loeber, R., Gagnon, C., Charlebois, P., Larivée, S., & LeBlanc, M. (1991). Disruptive boys with stable and unstable high fighting behavior patterns during junior elementary school. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 19(3), 285–300.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tremblay, R. E., Pihl, R. O., Vitaro, F., & Dobkin, P. L. (1994). Predicting early onset of male antisocial behavior from preschool behavior. Archives of General Psychiatry, 51, 732–739.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Werff, J. (1990). The problem of self-conceiving. In H. Bosma, & S. Jackson, (Eds), Coping and self-concept in adolescence, (pp. 13–33). Berlin, New York and Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vitaro, F., Dobkin, P. L., Gagnon, C., & LeBlanc, M. (1994). Les problèmes d'adaptation psychosociale chez l'enfant et l'adolescent: pré valence, dé terminants et prévention. Québec: Presses de l'Université du Québec.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vitaro, F., Gagnon, C., & Tremblay, R. E. (1992). Liens d'amitié et fonctionnement social chez les enfants rejetés. Enfance, 46(1/2), 113–127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waterman, A. S. (1993). Developmental perspectives on identity formation: From adolescence to adulthood. In J. E., Marcia, A. S., Waterman, D. R., Matteson, S. L. Archer, & J. L. Orlofsky, (Eds.), Ego identity: A handbook for psychosocial research, (pp. 42–68). New York: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Werrbach, G. B., Grotevant, H. D., & Cooper, C. R. (1990). Gender differences in adolescents' identity development in the domain of sex role concepts. Sex Roles, 23(7/8), 349–362.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Willemsen, E. W., & Waterman, K. K. (1991). Ego identity and family environment: A correlational study. Psychological Reports, 69,1203–1212.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, De Koninck Building, Université Laval, Québec (QC), Canada G1K 7P4; e-mail:

    Gilles Tremblay

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Ste-Justine Hospital, Université de Montréal, 3100, Ellendale Avenue, Montréal, QC, H3S 1W3

    Jean-François Saucier

  3. Research Unit, Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment, Université de Montréal, c.p, 6128 Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7

    Richard E. Tremblay

Authors
  1. Gilles Tremblay
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jean-François Saucier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Richard E. Tremblay
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tremblay, G., Saucier, JF. & Tremblay, R.E. Identity and Disruptiveness in Boys: Longitudinal Perspectives. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal 21, 387–406 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:CASW.0000035223.61627.08

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:CASW.0000035223.61627.08

Search

Navigation