Critical thinking, identity styles, and commitment among adolescents: A causal model

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of critical thinking dispositions on identity commitment through the mediating role of identity processing orientation (informational, normative, diffuse-avoidant). For this reason 400 high school students (200 girls, 200 boys) who were chosen randomly completed 2 scales: California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI; Peter Facione, Noren Facione & Giancarlo, 2001) and Identity Styles Inventory (ISI; Berzonsky, 1989).The data from path analysis indicated that, factors of critical thinking via mediating the informational and normative and diffuse-avoidant identity styles had an indirect effect on commitment. Truth seeking, systematic and analytical orientation via informational style and systematic and analytical orientation through normative style had an effect on commitment Critical thinking had a direct and negative effect on diffuse-avoidant identity. The results confirmed our conceptual model.