Overview of Model
Most comprehensive model to date (Evans et al., 2010)
Focus on psychological and social aspects of identity
Informed by stages in Marcias (1980) Identity Development Model
Factors: 1) biology 2) microsocial context 3) gender norms 4) culture 5) religious
llllllorientation 6) systemic homonegativity, sexual prejudice, privilege
Five Developmental Statuses not sequential, not rigid, can be repeated
1) Unexplored Commitment
2) Active Exploration
3) Diffusion
4) Deepening and Commitment
5) Synthesis
Measuring Development
No plus-one staging
Lack of adequate validation (such as
longitudinal studies that support the
effectiveness and validity of the
model.)
Conclusion
References
Evans, N. J., Forney, D. S., Guido, F., Patton, L., & Renn, K. (2010). Student
development in college: Theory, research, and practice (2nd Edition). San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Worthington, R. L., & Mohr, J. J. (2002). Theorizing heterosexual identity development.
The Counseling Psychologist.
Worthington, R. L., Savoy, H. B., Dillon, F. R., & Vernaglia, E. R. (2002). Heterosexual
Identity Development A Multidimensional Model of Individual and Social Identity.
The Counseling Psychologist, 30(4), 496-531.
I chose this theory because I identify as heterosexual, but I find more salience in other identities. I was excited to learn more about my own
development, and knew that studying this theory would challenge me to reflect on how I understand my heterosexual identity as an individual,
and as part of a privileged group. A fun fact about the theorists is that all four of them have some sort of tie to Boston College. An aha
moment occurred when I was reading about the purpose of the model. I suddenly realized that it is true that there are very few theories that
have focused on the identity development of those in the majority groups. Many of the theories that we have focused on in class relate to the
development of those in the minority groups. My positionality as a heterosexual woman of color helps me relate to the theory and understand
how it applies to my own life and others like me. My identities allow me to be able to apply the theory through a lens of personal experience.