The paper presents the Circumplex of Identity Formation Modes, which is designed to integrate the various concepts describing identity formation in the Erikson–Marcia tradition. The theoretical foundations of the model were formulated based on (1) analysis of the definitions of constructs currently used in the literature on identity development, (2) redefinition of exploration and commitment (basic constructs proposed by Marcia to describe identity formation), and (3) the relationship between identity constructs and personality metatraits. The new model incorporates circumplex structure from other personality models and distinguishes eight modes of identity formation: Exploration, Consolidation, Socialization, Normativity, Petrification, Diffusion, Defiance, and Moratorivity. In this way, our proposal resolves problems inherent in the theory of identity formation offering a synthesis of models developed in the Erikson–Marcia tradition.

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.

The paper presents the empirical verification of the Circumplex of Identity Formation Modes proposed by Cieciuch and Topolewska (current issue). The model implies eight identity formation modes, characterized as ways of identity management: Exploration, Consolidation, Socialization, Normativity, Petrification, Diffusion, Defiance, and Moratorivity. The proposed model builds a basis for the synthesis of knowledge on identity formation gathered in various models developed in the Erikson–Marcia tradition. The three studies were conducted: two involving college students (N = 371 and N = 466) and one involving young adults (N = 715). The studies corroborated (1) the eight-factor structure of identity formation modes both among students and young adults, (2) the circular organization of the modes in both age groups, (3) a sinusoidal relationship between the modes and well-being as an additional test for the circular structure of the differentiated modes, and (4) the possibility to apply the proposed model as a matrix for the description of constructs developed within other identity formation models.

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 results indicate that personality metatraits Alpha and Beta can serve as core underpinnings of differentiation in identity formation, and that the relationships between these two personality metatraits and identity formation modes take a sinusoidal form, which is consistent with the circular organization of the Circumplex of Identity Formation Modes. The indicator of General Factor of Personality was the strongest connected to the circumplex dimension reflecting identity stability. At the Big Five traits level, two personality traits, Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience, were most strongly related to identity formation, while Emotional Stability predicted modes strongly but in a non-sinusoidal way. Thus, Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience can be seen as two basic underpinnings of identity formation, just as Agreeableness and Extraversion are responsible for interpersonal behavior in the Wiggins model.