TY  - JOUR
TI  - The Virtual Identity Status: The Concept and Inventory (VISI)
T2  - Psychology. Journal of Higher School of Economics
IS  - Psychology. Journal of Higher School of Economics
KW  - identity
KW  - virtual identity
KW  - identity status
KW  - students
KW  - validity
KW  - reliability
KW  - psychological tools
AB  - The objective of the study was to develop and test the methodology to assess virtual identity statuses: identity achieved, moratorium, foreclosure, diffusion. The digital image, mediated by technologies and self-simulated, refers to the virtual identity, but the basis of its psychological mechanism remains unknown. The psychological scientists study the impact of digital experiences on virtual identity, yet no research has been conducted to date that captures the statuses this complex entity. Our study of the virtual identity statuses draws on E. Erikson's conceptualizations of the identity development and provisions of cultural-historical theory. This study applies an originally designed Virtual Identity Status Inventory (VISI). The study also measured: the five broad personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) and self-determination. The sample comprised 350 students (age range 17 to 25 years; 44.3% men). For data processing, confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach coefficient alpha, Pearson’s r-test, and Student's t-test were applied in the SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21 programs. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 2-factor structure of the inventory, formed by the scales "In-Depth Exploration" and "Meaningfulness of Commitment" (χ2/df = 1.17; ρ = .08; RMSEA = .07; CFI = .93). We modeled these variables into 4 quadrants formed by a 2-axis circumflex integration of scales in 4 virtual identity statuses. We found that male students, who were open to new experiences and high in self-determination, significantly often demonstrated an achieved virtual identity (ρ < .01). The status of virtual identity was relatively stable during 2 months (φ* = .21). Thus, the VISI is reliable and valid, and can be used as a tool for solving theoretical, empirical, and experimental problems related to identity development in digital space.
AU  - Marina Klementyeva
UR  - https://psy-journal.hse.ru/en/2024-21-1/910197858.html
PY  - 2024
SP  - 79-100
VL  - 21