Investigating The Relationship Between Psychological Separation and Identity Styles

The aim of the study was to inve-stigate the relationship between psy-chological separation and identity styles in college students. 204 under-graduate students were selected thro-ugh random cluster sampling. All participants were asked to complete Psychological Separation Inventory (PSI) and Identity Styles Inventory (ISG).In order to analyze the data, stepwise multiple regression method and canonical correlation were utilized.Significant gender differences in some of subscales of Functional, Em-otional, and Attitudinal Independence were found; boys were significantly scored higher than girls. Attitudinal independence from father and emo-tional independence from mother, and functional independence of mother were strongest predictors of informational identity style among female and male students, respecti-vely. The attitudinal and functional independence of father for girls and attitudinal independence from mother and emotional independence from father for boys can negatively predict changes of normative identity style. Furthermore, conflicting and emoti-onal independence of mother can predict avoidance style of girls. These findings could be used in educational and psychological interventions for students in the context of Iranian culture.