IDENTITY DIMENSIONS AS PREDICTORS OF MARITAL BELIEFS IN POLISH YOUNG ADULTS

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between identity dimensions distinguished in the dual-cycle model of identity formation and marital beliefs. The hypothesis was that identity dimensions are good predictors of marital beliefs. Design: The study design comprised of correlational study in which participants were asked to fill in the questionnaires. Methods: Dimensions of Identity Development Scale and the Marital Meaning Inventory were administered to the sample of 291 students (155 females and 136 males) aged 20-25 years. The questionnaires were distributed across the different courses. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: The results indicated that exploration in breadth was predictive of belief Special status of marriage vs. neutral alternative, F(5, 285) = 3.33, p = .006, and identification with commitment was predictive of Mutuality vs. individuality, F(5, 285) = 4.21, p = .001. Higher levels of these identity processes were related to higher levels of these marital beliefs, beta = .25, p = .009, beta = .24, p = .012, respectively. Conclusion: Higher levels of exploration in breadth and identification with commitment were related to higher levels of beliefs that marriage is a special type of relationship, and that marriage requires spouses to surrender individuality and merge identities.