Developing a Model of Identity Styles and Emotional Intelligence with the Mediating Role of Self-Concept

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a model of identity styles based on emotional intelligence with the mediating role of self-concept. The statistical population of this study was 310 first and second-grade high school female students of Tehran in the academic year of 2018-2019. Standard questionnaires of Bar-On (1997) emotional intelligence, Berzonsky (1992) identity style, and Karami (2008) self-concept were used through structural equation modeling for analyzing data collected. The results showed that emotional intelligence had a positive relationship with normative identity, informational and commitment styles in high-school female students. On the other hand, it was found that self-concept has a positive relationship with commitment and informational identity styles and a negative relationship with diffuse identity style.Finally, regarding the mediating role of self-concept, the results showed that it mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and commitment and informational identity styles positively, whereas negatively mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and diffuse identity style. The results can be used to improve the social and individual status of students through the use of self-concept classes and workshops for students to enhance their level of critical thinking, as well as to change the attitude of families and society toward education on how to treat with their children.