Global identity and ego identity formation in relation to global sources of influence

Identity formation is a key indicator for the healthy development of young people. With adolescents increasingly becoming contributors to and recipients of a globalized world, it was predicted that global sources of influence would be related to both global and ego forms of identity. Further, global and ego identity were predicted to show particular associations. The Global Identity Survey, the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status, and the Global Sources of Influence Scale were administered to 272, predominantly white, undergraduates at an Eastern US university. Greater exposure to global ideas related to more advanced global identity formation, but such exposure bore minimal associations with ego identity formation. Modest associations emerged between global identity and ego identity. The findings are discussed relative to related research findings and the general topic of global influences on today's emerging adults with suggestions for next steps in this line of inquiry.