A Cross-cultural Comparative Study of Identity Status in Three Distinct Groups of Women: Iranian, Lebanese, and Lebanese Residents in Iran

Abstract

The present study compares identity statuses among three groups of women: Iranian, Lebanese and Lebanese immigrants in Iran. The age of the samples varies from 22 to 33 years old. Persian and Arabic versions of The Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (EOM-EIS-2) were distributed to 39 Iranian women, 40 Lebanese women residing in their home country and 39 Lebanese immigrant women in Iran chosen by convenience sampling. The data was analyzed using inferential statistical models related to independent groups, ANOVA and Post-Hoc tests. The findings showed no significant differences in identity statuses between the groups, although one sub-scale (ideological moratorium identity status) was significantly more prominent among Iranian women in comparison to local Lebanese. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between one EOM-EIS subscale, interpersonal moratorium identity status, and the length of the immigrants’ residency. The findings of this study indicate the role cultural factors play in psychological structures, especially in identity formation.