Exploring the relationship between identity status development and alcohol consumption among Italian adolescents

The main aim of this study was to explore the relationship between identity statuses and alcohol use and misuse in adolescence. A sample of 440 Italian students completed the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status–Version 2 (EOM– EIS– II; Adams, Bennion, & Huh, 1989), and the Alcohol Addiction Scale of the Shorter Promis Questionnaire (SPQ– ALC; Christo, et al., 2003; Haylett, Stephenson, & Lefever, 2004). The results suggested that problematic alcohol use during early and middle adolescence is associated with developmentally less sophisticated identity development. Foreclosed and diffused adolescents were classified as binge drinkers and heavy drinkers. The latter reported a higher mean dependence score than other identity groups. The risk and mediating factors about alcohol misuse and dependence are provided.