Identity development during cultural transition: The role of social-cognitive identity processes

Based on fundamental cognitive differences, Berzonsky (1989) proposed three different strategies of exploration behavior that underlie the process of identity development: informational, normative, and diffuse-avoidant styles. The present study extends Berzonsky's theorizing to acculturation research and examines the social-cognitive processes underlying identity development of new immigrants (N = 218). We investigate informational (analytical and exploratory), normative (heritage and host) and diffuse-avoidant identity styles as predictors of identity commitment and identity outcomes (self-esteem, self-concept clarity and ethno-cultural identity conflict). Two positive and two negative pathways to identity outcomes were identified, which were fully or partially mediated by identity commitment. Analytical informational style and normative orientation to the host society predicted stronger identity commitment, which, in turn, resulted in more positive identity outcomes. In contrast, diffuse-avoidant and exploratory informational styles exerted negative effects on identity outcomes via identity commitment. Furthermore, identity commitment buffered the negative impact of normative orientation to the country of origin on self-esteem. Taken together our findings indicate that identity commitment plays a central role in identity reconstruction of new immigrants.