| The purpose of this study was to increase knowledge of normal and atypical adolescent identity development. Based on research by Harter (1999a) and Gilligan (1982, 1993) it was hypothesized that there would be significant differences between the high school and residential students for Level of Voice (LOV), Motives for False Self-Behavior (MFSB), and Coping Strategies. Eighty-four high school students and 57 youth from a residential treatment center aged 14--19 participated. Each participant completed four questionnaires: The Teenage Voice Questionnaire, the Motives for False Self Behavior Checklist, the Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences, and the Personal Attributes Questionnaire.;Contrary to expectation the groups generally did not differ for LOV and MFSB, but did differ in the use of coping strategies. For both groups, however, significant relationships between LOV and Coping Strategies were obtained. Consistent with Harter's research adolescent LOV was higher for some relational contexts than others, and LOV did not vary by sex of the student.;Findings from this study provide implications for practitioners working with developmentally healthy and at-risk youth. When adolescents feel supported in a relational context they express a higher level of voice, less false self-behavior, and garner social support from others. These qualities are correlated with positive identity development. |
