Promotion of ego-identity development: can short-term intervention facilitate growth?

Abstract

In this article, the results of two experimental studies are presented in which perspective-taking training strategies were assessed for their effectiveness in promoting ego-identity formation among older adolescents. Utilizing analysis of covariance, advances in ideological achievement among experimental groups were found. However, further significant findings were absent. Given the limited findings of both studies, it was concluded that it may be very difficult to create substantial changes in identity formation through short-term training. Nonetheless, the present findings and findings of other research teams are promising enough to warrant further investigation on this topic.