Identity formation: The role of identity processing style and cognitive processes

The role that rational and automatic cognitive processes and identity processing styles play in accounting for variation on measures of identity formation was investigated. Results indicated that relationships between rational processing and identity commitments and identity achievement were mediated by an informational identity style. Automatic/intuitive processing was associated with identity achievement and a collective sense of identity. The former relationship was mediated by an informational style; the latter was partially mediated by a normative identity style. Findings are considered in terms of a social-cognitive model of identity formation and maintenance.