Relationship Between Identity Statuses and Goal Orientations Based on University Students' Self Esteem Levels

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of identity status in predicting university students' goal orientations and to determine if the predictive value of goal orientations differs based on self-esteem levels. A total of 314 students (216 female and 98 male) attending to Pamukkale University, Department of Education were administered Extended Measure of Identity Status, Goal Orientation and Self Esteem Scales. Results indicated that learning goals were predicted positively by achievement status and negatively by diffusion and foreclosure status. Performance avoidance was positively predicted by foreclosure status and negatively predicted by self-esteem. Performance approach was predicted by foreclosure status. In addition, the predictive values of goal orientations differed based on self-esteem levels of the students in that the negative link between diffusion and learning orientation was more evidenced for low self-esteem students and moratorium and achievement status were linked to performance goals only for high self-esteem students.