Perceived diversity norms, cultural identity styles and bicultural identity consolidation in two bicultural groups in Australia

In this study, we investigate the relationships among contextual variables of perceived diversity norms- multiculturalism, assimilation and polyculturalism, identity styles and identity consolidation in bicultural Australians. The Multicultural Identity Styles Scale proposes two identity strategies, hybrid identity style (HIS) and alternating identity style (AIS) as processes through which individuals negotiate their bicultural identities. We test a model whereby perceived diversity norms predict bicultural identity consolidation directly and indirectly via HIS in samples of British (n = 195) and non-British (n = 181) Australians. Participants (56.9% females, mean age = 41.52) completed an online survey on perceived diversity norms, the MISS and bicultural identity consolidation. Results showed that for non-British Australians, there was a positive indirect effect of perceived multiculturalism norms on bicultural identity consolidation via HIS. Perceived assimilation was directly (and negatively) linked to bicultural identity consolidation but indirectly via HIS. In British Australians only perceived polyculturalism was directly and indirectly associated to bicultural identity consolidation via HIS, whereas perceived multiculturalism and assimilation norms were negatively associated to bicultural identity consolidation. The results are discussed in terms of the differential roles of perceived diversity norms on bicultural identity processes and consolidation relative to the nature of the cultural group.

The relationship between identity styles and addiction vulnerability: A cross-sectional study among medical students in Zahedan, South Eastern Iran

Very little research done on the relationship between identity styles and addiction vulnerability among university students. This study aims to evaluate the extent to which identity styles can influence addiction vulnerability among medical students in Zahedan, Iran. The present cross-sectional study being conducted at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences from 2015 to 2016. The study sample consisted of 205 pre-clinical medical students (60% Female, 40% male) recruited. Berzonsky's Identity Style Questionnaire and Addiction Potential questionnaire, respectively measured "Identity Styles and addiction vulnerability". The multivariate linear analysis was conducted applying backward stepwise selection method. The female students shown more normative oriented than the male ones (p = 0.01). Students living in own house had significantly higher scores for diffuse avoidant style and addiction vulnerability compared with other types of accommodation (p  ≤  0.01). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that the final model included accommodation, admission qouta, normative, diffuse-avoidant and commitment styles, as addiction vulnerability may be higher as the results of lower normative style indicated (β = -0.54; 95% confidence interval: -1.00 to -0.08), higher diffuse-avoidant (0.41; 0.09 to 0.74) and lower commitment style (-0.79; -1.22 to -0.37). The study provides direct evidence of potential role of identity formation on the addiction vulnerability among medical students.

Exploring Individual Differences in Online Addictions: the Role of Identity and Attachment

Research examining the development of online addictions has grown greatly over the last decade with many studies suggesting both risk factors and protective factors. In an attempt to integrate the theories of attachment and identity formation, the present study investigated the extent to which identity styles and attachment orientations account for three types of online addiction (i.e., internet addiction, online gaming addiction, and social media addiction). The sample comprised 712 Italian students (381 males and 331 females) recruited from schools and universities who completed an offline self-report questionnaire. The findings showed that addictions to the internet, online gaming, and social media were interrelated and were predicted by common underlying risk and protective factors. Among identity styles, 'informational' and 'diffuse-avoidant' styles were risk factors, whereas 'normative' style was a protective factor. Among attachment dimensions, the 'secure' attachment orientation negatively predicted the three online addictions, and a different pattern of causal relationships were observed between the styles underlying 'anxious' and 'avoidant' attachment orientations. Hierarchical multiple regressions demonstrated that identity styles explained between 21.2 and 30% of the variance in online addictions, whereas attachment styles incrementally explained between 9.2 and 14% of the variance in the scores on the three addiction scales. These findings highlight the important role played by identity formation in the development of online addictions.