Gender and identity status differences in late adolescents’ possible selves

The current study examined gender and identity status differences in late adolescents’ possible selves. The intent of the study was to clarify conflicts between theory and research on gender differences in identity by investigating the content of participants’ possible selves. Participants completed measures of identity and possible selves. The results indicated that there was a relationship between gender and the mean number of both feared and balanced interpersonally themed possible selves. The pattern of results is discussed in terms of prior findings regarding gender differences in both identity and possible selves. Suggestions for future research are also provided.