Do Contemporary Japanese Adolescents Suffer from an Identity Crisis?

Abstract

Identity problems of adolescents, which according to Erikson's theory manifest as neurosis-like conditions, were investigated in contemporary Japan. The Multidimensional Ego Identity Scale (Tani, 2001, 2008) that measures the sense of ego identity strictly on the basis of Erikson's theory, and the Japanese version of the General Health Questionnaire 28 items (Nakagawa & Daibo, 1985), an index of neurosis that is often used in clinical practice, were administered to university students (N=302). Results of a one-factor ANOVA indicated that the identity crisis, which is a characteristic of adolescence, does indeed occur in contemporary Japan. Moreover, it was indicated that developmental support focusing on identity formation was necessary for adolescents with identity diffusion. Furthermore, results of multiple regression analysis suggested that social position and connections, as well as self-consistency and continuity of adolescence should be considered when providing support.