The Dutch Self-Concept and Identity Measure (SCIM): Factor structure and associations with identity dimensions and psychopathology

Identity formation is a lifelong developmental process. Neo-Eriksonian researchers have primarily focused on normative identity exploration and commitment, while overlooking clinical identity disturbance and disorder. As a result, developmental and clinical conceptualizations of identity are largely disconnected. The Self-Concept and Identity Measure (SCIM; Kaufman, Cundiff, & Crowell, 2015) is a self-report questionnaire assessing identity consolidation, identity disturbance, and lack of identity. This instrument facilitates identifying both developmentally-appropriate and clinical-pathological identity functioning. Using three samples of Flemish individuals (totaling 1087 participants; between 18 and 67 years; 66.33% female), this study examined the factor structure and reliability of a Dutch version of the SCIM. Furthermore, associations with (1) identity dimensions of exploration and commitment, and (2) symptoms of anxiety, depression, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) were investigated by means of self-report questionnaires. We replicated the three-factor structure of the SCIM in each sample. All scales showed adequate internal consistency coefficients. In line with expectations, differential associations of SCIM scales were obtained with identity dimensions and psychopathological outcomes. The present findings underscore the importance of focusing on Eriksonian notions of identity synthesis and confusion, as well as on more severe forms of identity problems, as captured by SCIM's lack of identity scale.