Interrelationships between identity motives in distinct identity domains and their connection to identity integration (Hebrew)

This study is an exploratory study dealing with identity motives and their different and similar expressions in Distinct Identity Domains. In light of Erikson's definition of identity (Erikson, 1968) and in light of other theories of identity development, the study aimed to examine relationships between the motives in different identity domains. The study was based on the identity motives model presented by Vignoles (Vignoles, Manzi, Regalia, Golledge, & Scabini, 2006). According to this model, identity motives constitute a motive that must be realized in order to feel a commitment to a certain identity. Identity motives are basically drives that direct the processes of building and changing identity. According to Vignoles, there are six motives that drive the processes of identity development: self-esteem, continuity, distinctiveness, belonging, efficacy and meaning. In light of the cited literature, the present study assumed that this statement is ascertained in every domain of identity, that is, in every field in which a person chooses and defines himself.

This study examined the degree of compatibility between identity motives in two identity domains; occupational and religious, with the aim of understanding the relationship between them. This research also aimed to examine the internal integration of identity in relation to the motives, and to understand the manner in which identity is built and shaped, while focusing on the details of identity and at the same time taking a wide look at the general identity. The fact that a person forms an identity for himself in several domains, and is driven by a variety of motives, requires a deep understanding of the integration between the various motives in the different domains. From these questions, the purpose of the study was written: to investigate in a preliminary way the possible connections between identity motives in the domains of occupational and religious identity, in light of identity integration theories presented in the literature.

In this study we examined four research questions:

1. Is it possible to identify motives in the interviews? In other words, will the interviewees make use of the motives in order to explain their choice of identity.
2. How are the different motives in each identity domain expressed, and whether there will be differences in the way they are expressed in each domain.
3. A transversal question that examines the existence of motives that are given expression in one domain more than in another across different people.
4. An interpersonal question that examines, on a personal level, the existence of a relationship of similarity or of complementarity between the motives that drive a person to commit to a certain identity in different domains.

For the purpose of the study, the qualitative research method was used. Nineteen participants were interviewed in a semi-structured interview. The criterion for the interviewees' participation in the study was that they were in the process of forming an occupational and religious identity. Each interview included a section regarding their professional identity and a section relating to their religious identity, and at the end, two questions were asked regarding the interrelationship between the fields.

The analysis of the findings was conducted according to a codebook developed by Abramson and Schachter (to be published). This codebook constitutes a system for coding motives that allows giving numerical scores for the significance given by the participants to identity motives. The codebook is slightly different from Vignoles' motives model (Vignoles et al., 2006), and it includes seven motives: meaning, authenticity, orientation, belonging, distinctiveness, continuity and efficacy. The analysis of the findings was conducted separately for the religious identity section and the professional identity section. The main identity motives for each section were found.

The research findings were gathered in accordance with the four research questions. It was found that motives can be identified in the interviews, even if in some cases the definitions of the motives were found to be inaccurate. Regarding the transversal question, it was found that there are clear and less clear connections between domains and motives. Regarding the interpersonal question, it was found that in some cases there was a tendency to similarity or complementarity, and in some cases no connection was found.

The findings of the study showed that it is indeed possible to identify motives in the words of the interviewees. At the same time, the findings provided insights regarding the definition of motives' accuracy. It was found that in certain motives there is an overlap and their definition must be more precise. Above all, it was found that there is a need for the theory of motives to be compatible with every identity domain, while clearly dividing and defining the motives. Another issue that came up for discussion following these findings was the question of the clear separation between content domains. In cases where a conflict between domains was found, it was difficult to accurately identify the motives. After analyzing findings that separated different identity domains, the discussion sought to take into account intersecting identities and a look at the overall identity.

Regarding the transversal question, the connections found between identity motives and identity domains provided possible insight into the correct view of overall identity. The understanding that identity domains are shaped in reference to an overall identity, as well as the understanding that each identity domain has its own motivational map, is helpful in clarifying the structure of the identity domain being studied. Regarding the interpersonal question, the findings indicated connections between motives in the different identity domains, and this allowed for an integrative view of the person's narrative, and the central themes in his life. The research findings renewed the understanding of the integration that occurs between different domains in human life, and presented a possible picture of an integrative identity structure.

The current research is significant, because the understanding of identity and its development is clarified in light of the findings of the current research. The study was an exploratory study that opened a new direction for research regarding identity integration and connections between identity domains. The study showed that Vignoles' model of motives (Vignoles et al., 2006) was found to be relevant and present. Moreover, many precisions in the definitions of motives, contribute to research about identity motives. The study contributes to the theory in the field of identity integration, due to the multiple view taken; focusing on the details of the identity domains as well as an overall integrative view on identity.

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