Abstract: In recent years, the focus of empirical research on ego identity has been turned from identity status to identity style. Identity style refers to reported preferences in the social-cognitive strategies used to engage or to avoid the tasks of constructing and maintaining a sense of identity, including the information style, the normative style, and the diffuse/avoidant style. Numerous investigations have examined the linkages between identity style and social-cognitive processing strategies, personality, parenting, well-being, academic performance, etc. More diverse samples and measures are needed in future research. Cross-cultural comparisons and interventions also need further development.

Key words: ego identity, identity style, information style, normative style, diffuse/avoidant style