Individual Differences Research

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Individual Differences Research > Volume 18 (2020) > e18003

Ego Identity and Substance Use of Ethnically Diverse College Students

Lisa Mori, Angelika Panova, Zelida Keo, Catherine Cheung, Julie Stokes 

Abstract

Ego identity (as measured by the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status scale) and drug use were studied within a sample of 409 Asian, Hispanic, and White American undergraduates, ages 17 to 30, attending a public university in California. Results indicated that Foreclosed participants were less likely to drink and smoke cigarettes, while Moratorium participants reported increased alcohol and cigarette use. White and Hispanic college students reported greater alcohol use than Asians. Limitations and future research directions were discussed. Using ego identity as a predictor of substance use is cautioned with ethnically diverse individuals.