Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status-Revised Version (EOM-EIS)

Abstract

The Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status-Revised Version (EOM-EIS-R) is a widely utilized self-report instrument designed to assess an individual’s developmental stage concerning identity formation, primarily based on the theoretical model proposed by James Marcia. The scale objectively measures the degree of exploration and commitment an individual has experienced across key psychosocial domains, resulting in the classification of four distinct identity statuses: Diffusion, Foreclosure, Moratorium, and Achievement. Originally developed by Adams, Shea, and Fitch (1979) and substantially revised by Bennion and Adams (1986), the EOM-EIS-R is particularly suitable for quantitative research involving late adolescence and young adulthood.

Keywords

Ego Identity Status, James Marcia, Identity Achievement, Identity Moratorium, Identity Foreclosure, Identity Diffusion, Adolescence, Psychosocial Development, Self-Report Scale.

Authors

Adams, G. R., Shea, J. A., Fitch, S. A., Bennion, L. D.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the EOM-EIS is to provide a standardized, objective measure for classifying individuals into one of Marcia’s four identity statuses. Before objective measures, identity status was typically assessed using lengthy, semi-structured interviews. The EOM-EIS was created to offer a quantitative alternative capable of efficiently surveying large samples.

The revision (EOM-EIS-R, 1986) expanded the scope of the original 24-item measure to 64 items, increasing the number of domains assessed. This expansion ensured the instrument captured identity formation across a broader spectrum of developmental tasks critical to late adolescence, including personal beliefs, interpersonal relationships, and future planning.

Construct

The EOM-EIS measures Ego Identity Status, which is defined by the intersection of two fundamental dimensions: exploration (the period of questioning or searching for alternatives) and commitment (the degree of personal investment in specific beliefs, values, or goals). The scale assesses these dimensions across multiple life areas, such as occupation, politics, religion, and gender roles.

The four statuses derived from this construct are operationalized through the scoring of the scale items:

• Identity Achievement: Characterized by high exploration followed by strong commitment.
• Moratorium: Characterized by high exploration but low commitment; the individual is currently in an identity crisis.
• Foreclosure: Characterized by low exploration but high commitment; commitments are adopted from external authority (usually parents) without personal questioning.
• Identity Diffusion: Characterized by low exploration and low commitment; the individual lacks direction or is apathetic about identity issues.

Validity

The EOM-EIS demonstrates strong construct validity, as its structure directly maps onto the theoretical concepts established by Marcia’s model (1966). The revision in 1986 enhanced the instrument’s content validity by incorporating psychosocial domains—such as dating, friendship, and recreational activities—which are highly salient to the identity development tasks of late adolescents, thus ensuring comprehensive coverage of the construct.

The instrument has been widely adopted in developmental and social psychology research, supporting its utility as a valid measure for differentiating identity statuses in empirical studies. Studies often compare EOM-EIS results with those from the original semi-structured interview, demonstrating adequate concurrent validity for the objective measure.

Reliability

The internal consistency and temporal stability of the EOM-EIS-R subscales have been well documented in psychological literature. Internal consistency, measured by Cronbach’s alpha, shows adequate reliability, particularly for the Foreclosure subscale.

The reported Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the four identity statuses are:

• Diffusion: α = 0.68
• Foreclosure: α = 0.90
• Moratorium: α = 0.73
• Achievement: α = 0.66

Furthermore, the instrument exhibits high test-retest reliability. Stability coefficients measured across a 2-week interval were reported by Servaty (1997) to range consistently from 0.82 to 0.90, indicating that the measure provides consistent results over time.

Factor Analysis

The EOM-EIS is structured to reflect the orthogonal and non-orthogonal relationships between the four identity statuses, which are derived from the two underlying dimensions of exploration and commitment. Factor analytic studies conducted on the EOM-EIS typically aim to confirm this theoretical four-factor structure across the various life domains (e.g., occupational, ideological, interpersonal). The strength of the scale lies in its ability to generate distinct scores for each status, allowing researchers to classify individuals or analyze identity maturity as a continuous variable.

Instrument

Test Type: Objective Self-Report Questionnaire

Format: 64 items (EOM-EIS-R). Items are rated on a 6-point Likert scale, where 1 = strongly agree, 2 = moderately agree, 3 = agree, 4 = disagree, 5 = moderately disagree, and 6 = strongly disagree.

Language Available: English (Original)

Population Group: Individuals undergoing active identity formation (Psychosocial Development).

Age Group: Late Adolescence and Young Adulthood (typically ages 17–25).

Population Details: Primarily used with college and university student populations, though applicable to any individual in the process of resolving identity issues.

Test Methodology: The instrument requires respondents to indicate their level of agreement with statements covering eight key psychosocial domains: occupation, politics, religion, family/gender roles, lifestyle, friendship, recreation, and dating.

Keywords

Identity formation, Psychometrics, Self-perception, Commitment, Exploration, Identity research, Developmental psychology, Objective measurement.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected] (G. R. Adams)

Correspondence Address: Not provided in source (Affiliation is linked to the University of Guelph).

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Original Test Year (EOM-EIS): 1979 (Adams, Shea & Fitch)

Revised Test Year (EOM-EIS-R): 1986 (Bennion & Adams)

Permissions and Fee: The instrument is often used in academic research. The original PDF manual, which may contain usage guidelines, can be downloaded here: http://www.uoguelph.ca/ch‎argadams/OMEIS_manual.pdf

Reference’s

• Adams‚ S. A.‚ Shea‚ J. A.‚ & Fitch‚ S. A. (1979). Toward a practical measure of ego identity status: A replication. In G. R. Adams (Chair)‚ Research in identity status: A symposium. Paper presented at the biennial meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development‚ San Francisco.
• Bennion‚ L. D.‚ & Adams‚ G. R. (1986). A revision of the extended version of the objective measure of ego identity status; an identity instrument for use with late adolescence. Journal of Adolescent Research‚ 1(2)‚ 183-198.
• Bennion‚ L. D. (1988). Measuring adolescent ego-identity status: A comparison of the semi structured interview and the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status. Unpublished master’s thesis Utah State University‚ Logan‚ Utah.
• Marcia‚ J. E. (1966). Development and Validation of Ego-Identity Status. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology‚ 3‚(5)‚ 551-558.
• Marcia‚ J. E.‚ & Friedman‚ M. L. (1970). Ego identity status in college women. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology‚ 3‚ 551-558.
• Servaty‚ H. L.‚ (1997). Identity Status and Adjustment to Loss among Adolescents. doctoral dissertation‚ University of North Texas.
• Tureau‚ Zach‎ary L.‚ (2003). College Student Identity and Attitudes Toward Gays and Lesbians. doctoral dissertation‚ University of North Texas.

Items of the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status-Revised Version (EOM-EIS)

Adams‚ Shea & Fitch (1979)

1. I haven’t really considered politics. They just don’t excite me much.
2. I might have thought about a lot of different things but there has never really been a decision since my parents said what they wanted.
3. When it comes to religion I just haven’t found any that I’m really into myself.
4. My parents had it decided a long time ago what I should go into and I’m following their plans.
5. There are so many different political parties and ideals. I can’t decide which to follow until I figure it all out.
6. I don’t give religion much thought and it doesn’t bother me one way or the other.
7. I guess I’m pretty much like my folks when it comes to politics. I follow what they do in terms of voting and such.
8. I haven’t chosen the occupation I really want to get into‚ but I’m working toward becoming a _____ until something better comes along.
9. A person’s faith is unique to each individual. I’ve considered and reconsidered it myself and know what I can believe.
10. It took me a long time to decide but now I know for sure what direction to move in for a career.
11. I really never was involved in politics enough to have to make a firm stand one way or the other.
12. I’m not so sure what religion means to me. I’d like to make up my mind but I’m not done looking yet.
13. I’ve thought my political beliefs through and realize I may or may not agree with many of my parent’s beliefs.
14. It took me awhile to figure it out‚ but now I really know what I want for a career.
15. Religion is confusing to me right now. I keep changing my views on what is right and wrong to me.
16. I’m sure it will be pretty easy for me to change my occupational goals when something better comes along.
17. My folks have always had their own political and moral beliefs about issues like abortion and mercy killing and I’ve always gone along accepting what they have.
18. I’ve gone through a period of serious questioning about faith and can now say I understand what I believe in as an individual.
19. I’m not sure about my political beliefs‚ but I’m trying to figure out what I can truly believe in.
20. I just can’t decide how capable I am as a person and what jobs I’ll be right for.
21. I attend the same church as my family has always attended. I’ve never really questioned why.
22. I just can’t decide what to do for an occupation. There are so many possibilities.
23. I’ve never really questioned my religion. If it’s right for my parents it must be right for me.
24. Politics are something that I can never be too sure about because things change so fast. But I do think it’s important to know what I believe in.

Bennion & Adams‚ 1986

1. I haven’t chosen the occupation I really want to get into‚ and I’m just working at what is available until something better comes along.
2. When it comes to religion I just haven’t found anything that appeals and I don’t really feel the need to look.
3. My ideas about men’s and women’s roles are identical to my parents’.
1. What has worked for them will obviously work for me.
4. There’s no single “life style” which appeals to me more than another.
5. There are a lot of different kinds of people. I’m still exploring the many possibilities to find the right kind of friends for me.
6. I sometimes join in recreational activities when asked‚ but I rarely try anything on my own.
7. I haven’t really thought about a “dating style.” I’m not too concerned Whether I date or not.
8. Politics is something that I can never be too sure about because things change so fast. But I do think it’s important to know what I can politically stand for and believe in.
9. I’m still trying to decide how capable I am as a person and what work will be right for me.
10. I don’t give religion much thought and it doesn’t bother me one way or the other.
11. There’s so many ways to divide responsibilities in marriage‚ I’m trying to decide what will work for me.
12. I’m looking for an acceptable perspective for my own “life style‚” but haven’t really found it yet.
13. There are many reasons for friendship‚ but I choose my close friends on the basis of certain values and similarities that I’ve personally decided on.
14. While I don’t have one recreational activity I’m really committed to‚ I’m experiencing numerous leisure outlets to identify one I can truly enjoy.
15. Based on past experiences‚ I’ve chosen the type of dating relationship I want now.
16. I haven’t really considered politics. It just doesn’t excite me much.
17. I might have thought about a lot of different jobs‚ but there’s never really been any question since my parents said what they wanted.
18. A person’s faith is unique to each individual. I’ve considered and reconsidered it myself and know what I can believe.
19. I’ve never really seriously considered men’s and women’s roles in marriage. It just doesn’t seem to concern me.
20. After considerable thought I’ve developed my own individual viewpoint of what is for me an ideal “life style” and don’t believe anyone will be likely to change my perspective.
21. My parents know what’s best for me in terms of how to choose my friends.
22. I’ve chosen one or more recreational activities to engage in regularly from lots of things and I’m satisfied with those choices.
23. I don’t think about dating much. I just kind of take it as it comes.
24. I guess I’m pretty much like my folks when it comes to politics.
1. I follow what they do in terms of voting and such.
25. I’m not really interested in finding the right job‚ any job will do.
1. I just seem to flow with what is available.
26. I’m not sure what religion means to me. I’d like to make up my mind but I’m not done looking yet.
27. My ideas about men’s and women’s roles have come right for my parents and family. I haven’t seen any need to look further.
28. My own views on a desirable life style were taught to me by my parents and I don’t see any need to question what they taught me.
29. I don’t have any real close friends‚ and I don’t think I’m looking for one right now.
30. Sometimes I join in leisure activities‚ but I really don’t see a need to look for a particular activity to do regularly.
31. I’m trying out different types of dating relationships. I just haven’t decided what is best for me.
32. There are so many different political parties and ideals. I can’t decide which to follow until I figure it all out.
33. It took me a while to figure it out‚ but now I really know what I want for a career.
34. Religion is confusing to me right now. I keep changing my views on what is right and wrong for me.
35. I’ve spent some time thinking about men’s and women’s roles in marriage and I’ve decided what will work best for me.
36. In finding an acceptable viewpoint to life itself‚ I find myself engaging in a lot of discussions with others and some self-exploration.
37. I only pick friends my parent would approve of.
38. I’ve always liked doing the same recreational activities my parents do and haven’t ever seriously considered anything else.
39. I only go out with the type of people my parents expect me to date.
40. I’ve thought my political beliefs through and realize I can agree with some and not other aspects of what my parents believe.
41. My parents decided a long time ago what I should go into for employment and I’m following through their plans.
42. I’ve gone through a period of serious questions about faith and can now say I understand what I believe in as an individual.
43. I’ve been thinking about the roles that husbands and wives play a lot these days‚ and I’m trying to make a final decision.
44. My parents’ views on life are good enough for me‚ I don’t need anything else.
45. I’ve had many different friendships and now I have a clear idea of what I look for in a friend.
46. After trying a lot of different recreational activities I’ve found one or more I really enjoy doing by myself or with friends.
47. My preferences about dating are still in the process of developing. I haven’t fully decided yet.
48. I’m not sure about my political beliefs‚ but I’m trying to figure out what I can truly believe in.
49. It took me a long time to decide but now I know for sure what direction to move in for a career.
50. I attend the same church as my family has always attended.
1. I’ve never really questioned why.
51. There are many ways that married couples can divide up family responsibilities. I’ve thought about lots of ways‚ and now I know exactly how I want it to happen for me.
52. I guess I just kind of enjoy life in general‚ and I don’t see myself living by any particular viewpoint to life.
53. I don’t have any close friends. I just like to hang around with the crowd.
54. I’ve been experiencing a variety of recreational activities in hope of finding one or more I can really enjoy for some time to come.
55. I’ve dated different types of people and know exactly what my own “unwritten rules” for dating are and who I will date.
56. I really have never been involved in politics enough to have made a firm stand one way or the other.
57. I just can’t decide what to do for an occupation. There are so many possibilities.
58. I’ve never really questioned my religion. If it’s right for my parents it must be right for me.
59. Opinions on men’s and women’s roles seem so varied that I don’t think much about it.
60. After a lot of self-examination I have established a very definite view on what my own life style will be.
61. I really don’t know what kind of friend is best for me. I’m trying to figure out exactly what friendship means to me.
62. All of my recreational preferences I got from my parents and I haven’t really tried anything else.
63. I date only people my parents would approve of.
64. My folks have always had their own political and moral beliefs about issues like abortion and mercy killing and I’ve always gone along accepting what they have.