The Functions of Identity Scale: Validation in Italian late adolescents and emerging adults

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the factor structure and convergent validity of an Italian translation of the Functions of Identity Scale (FIS). Participants were 1,201 Italian late adolescents and emerging adults. Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for a five-factor solution, which was found to be consistent across gender and age groups (late adolescents and emerging adults). Convergent validity was demonstrated through theoretically consistent associations between the FIS dimensions and measures of identity commitment and sense of coherence. Overall, findings suggest that the Italian version of the FIS is a promising tool for assessing identity functions, although a revised version with three additional items could be useful to improve scale reliability. © 2010 Cises.