Identity status differences among Italian adolescents: Associations with time perspective

Based on Marcia’s identity status model, this cross-sectional study examined adolescents identity formation analyzing its association with time perspective. A sample of 1,300 Italian adolescents filled in self-report measures assessing two major developmental processes: identity resolution and time perspective. Adolescents who achieved an integrated identity status seemed to primarily adopt a future time perspective and to have a positive view of the past. By contrast, Diffused adolescents reported negative experiences in the past, a lower future orientation and a greater inclination to fatalism compared to others. The implications of the findings, limitations and suggestions for future theoretical and empirical development of research in this field are discussed.