Identity orientation and decisional strategies

Two studies designed to investigate the relationship between identity orientation and decisional strategies are reported. Identity orientation refers to the way in which individuals approach or manage to avoid the tasks of constructing and revising their self-identity. Study 1 revealed that information-oriented individuals reportedly engaged in systematic, vigilant decisional practices whereas diffuse/avoidant-oriented subjects resorted to maladaptive decisional strategies including procrastination, avoidance, and excuse making. Also, within this sample of late adolescent college students, identity orientation was found to be independent from intellectual ability. Study 2 replicated the major findings of Study 1 and furnished evidence about cognitive aspects of the identity orientations. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.