Cross-lagged associations between cognitive dispositions, identity processing styles, and identity commitments

ABSTRACT The developmental interplay among cognitive dispositions (need for cognition and faith in intuition), identity processing styles (informational, normative, and diffuse-avoidant), and identity commitments was examined. Participants (N = 269 university students) completed measures of the study variables twice separated by a three-month interval. A rational cognitive disposition at T1 predicted increases in informational style scores and decreases in normative style scores at T2. The informational style also predicted increases in rational reasoning scores over time. High informational and normative scores at T1 predicted increases in identity commitment. Commitment scores at T1 predicted decreased diffuse-avoidant scores at T2. Implications of the findings for the role cognitive processes and identity styles play in identity formation are considered.