Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relation between punitiveness, identity instability, and exclusivity. The construct of identity has long been discussed in the field of psychology. Recently, criminological studies have argued that exclusivity mediates the relation between identity instability and punitiveness. Building on this argument and related empirical studies, the present study tested two hypotheses : (a) exclusivity mediates the relation between identity instability and support for harsher punishment, and (b) exclusivity mediates the relation between identity instability and support for criminalization. Questionnaires were administered to university students (N=192). The results of mediation analysis confirmed both hypotheses, thereby lending support to the criminological theory. The findings suggested that the abovementioned argument in criminological studies is useful for explaining individual level of punitiveness.
