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We propose a model of basic self-regulatory mechanisms that integrates descriptive-structural and dynamic-explanatory approaches to personality. Using a structural way of thinking and based on a structural model of personality (the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits), we deduced two orthogonal (distinct) but interactive mechanisms: (a) Impulse Control responsible for controlling automatically activated impulses, urges, and affective reactions and (b) Self-Motivation responsible for regulating intentions in goal-oriented behaviors. Their operation depends on both situational and dispositional factors and optimal functioning of both mechanisms is needed for effective regulation of behavior. People can also be characterized by relatively stable levels of Impulse Control and Self-Motivation as dispositions, which depend on temperamental predispositions but can develop incoherently with them due to the impact of environmental factors. Combinations of Impulse Control and Self-Motivation as dispositions result in personality types, which differ in their adaptiveness. Importantly, Impulse Control and Self-Motivation mechanisms reveal substantial similarities to other self-regulatory constructs described in the literature, particularly those included in Block and Block's as well as Kuhl's theories. The contribution of our paper may serve as an example of how to apply the descriptive-structural approach to develop a dynamic-explanatory model of personality.

Circumplex of Identity Formation Modes: Theoretical Assumptions and Empirical Verification The article presents theoretical assumptions and summarizes the results of research on the Circumplex of Identity Formation Modes. The model was created as an attempt to synthesize knowledge on identity formation gathered in the stream of research initiated by James E. Marcia (1966), based on the Erik H. Erikson’s (1959) theory of psychosocial development. In the model: (1) the key concept is the identity formation mode, (2) traditional categories of exploration and commitment have been redefined and used as basic axes to distinguish eight identity formation modes, between which relationships are precisely defined in accordance with the rules of the circumplex model, (3) due to redefinition of exploration and commitment, the model can be used in research on personal identity in various developmental periods, and (4) the place of identity variables in the personality structure has been precisely defined. Circumplex of Identity Formation Modes was introduced to international literature and research on its verification and usefulness was conducted (Cieciuch, Topolewska, 2017; Topolewska, Cieciuch, 2017; Topolewska-Siedzik, Cieciuch, 2018, 2019; Topolewska-Siedzik, Cieciuch, Strus, 2019).

Self-esteem is continuous and has stable characteristics, but it may also change, e.g., during transitions from one educational level to the next. In a prospective cross-sectional study over a year and a half, 250 Polish early adolescents (N = 109, 54 girls; mean age at T1 = 12.68 years, SD = 0.49) and middle adolescents (N = 141, 107 girls; mean age at T1 = 15.80, SD = 0.44) were tested three times using Harter’s Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, assessing both global self-esteem and self-evaluation in eight domains. The change and consistency of self-esteem were analyzed, at both group and individual levels. At the group level, the following results were found: (1) continuity of self-esteem in five domains (scholastic competence, athletic competence, physical appearance, close friendship, and romantic appeal) and in global self-esteem and discontinuity in only three domains (social acceptance, job competence, and behavioral conduct); (2) significant inter-individual variation in the change not explained by age; and (3) higher self-esteem (in five domains) in early adolescents. At the individual level, the stability in most domains was weak, but was restored over the second year at the new school. The complexity of the developmental change and consistency in self-esteem in adolescence was highlighted, emphasizing the need for analyzing both group and individual change.

The present study investigates eight identity formation modes (Socialization, Consolidation, Exploration, Moratorivity, Defiance, Diffusion, Normativity) from the Circumplex of Identity Formation Modes (CIFM; Cieciuch & Topolewska, 2017) in 13 age groups from emerging to late adulthood (N = 3216 adults aged 18–65). The results suggest that CIFM modes associated with cohesive identity development increase with age and that CIFM identity formation modes associated with negative identity and anxiety decrease in subsequent age groups. However, the CIFM mode associated with identity activity, i.e Exploration and its opposite pole — Petrification show a curvilinear trend with age. Finally, the mean-level of the Diffusion mode is the same across all age groups. The study confirms that the CIFM's eight identity formation modes represent qualitatively distinct approaches to identity formation, which differ between age groups in a theoretically consistent manner.

Experience sampling is considered one of the best methods for measuring behavior (Furr, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1002/per.724). When used for this purpose, it requires a coding system to transform diversified reports on what people are doing, provided as responses to an open-ended question, into interpretable data. We present a categorization of everyday behaviors that can be used to code responses from experience sampling and diary studies conducted with different groups of participants—from adolescents to elderly people. This categorization was developed and validated on a set of 19,840 responses to an open-ended question about participants’ recent activity, provided by 667 persons ranging in age from 12 to 66. As a result of the multistage work, we present a categorization system which forms a hierarchy from three broad categories to 97 narrow ones through middle levels of five, 23, and 63 categories of behaviors. The possible usage of the developed categorization is discussed.

The article examines the relationships between personality traits and identity formation modes in both a theoretical and empirical manner. The sample consisted of 813 participants aged 18–65. The r...

Identity formation is a dynamic process during adolescence. Trajectories of identity formation were assessed longitudinally in early and middle adolescents, taking into account the personality underpinnings of this process. Identity formation was conceptualized according to the circumplex of identity formation modes. The model distinguishes basic modes rooted in Marcia’s categories of exploration and commitment. Plasticity and stability, the two higher order Big Five meta-traits, were used to assess personality underpinnings. This study includes five measurement waves over 1.5 years and involves 1,839 Polish participants; 914 early adolescents (53.9% girls) and 925 middle adolescents (63.8% girls). The results suggest that (1) the four identity formation modes change dynamically, showing linear and curvilinear growth and that (2) identity formation mode trajectories are more dynamic in middle adolescence than in early adolescence. The results also showed that, in the conditional model, (3) the higher-order personality factors and gender affect the growth factors of identity formation modes. Overall, trajectories of identity formation modes are more linear during early adolescence and more curvilinear during middle adolescence. The initial levels in identity trajectories are influenced by the personality metatraits but only plasticity is related to change among early adolescents.

Identity development is undoubtedly one of the most crucial tasks in human life. Identity is also one of the most frequently examined issues in contemporary developmental psychology research. In the literature, we can find various definitions of identity, as well as various theoretical conceptualizations and models. The present paper describes contemporary models of personal identity, provides the definitions of the notions (as processes/dimensions/styles/modes) included in these models, measurement methods, as well as a review of the research results obtained in these various theoretical paradigms. The review includes multiple approaches – from Marcia’s classical identity status paradigm, through neo-Eriksonian models (such as the three and five dimensional models, identity styles, identity processes in adulthood) up to narrative views. Finally, we present conclusions based on the analyses of these models and implications for future research and theory.