Skip to Main Content

Social Psychology and Society
2025. Vol. 16, no. 4, 186–203
doi:10.17759/sps.2025160411
ISSN: 2221-1527 / 2311-7052 (online)

Adaptation and validation of the Identity Gap Scale in Communication by M.L. Hecht and E. Jung

 
Audio is AI-generated
2

, ,

PDF (RUS)
Online translation in english
GS
Information
in Google Scholar
Metrics

Abstract

Context and relevance. The Identity Gap Scale in Communication developed by M.L. Hecht and E. Jung is used by specialists in studies of interpersonal interaction in various fields, including intercultural and health communication.
Objective. Adaptation into Russian and psychometric validation of a questionnaire that includes two scales – the Personal-Enacted Identity Gap Scale and the Personal-Relational Identity Gap Scale.
Methods and materials. The questionnaire was translated into Russian using the forward and backward translation method, and then the Russian-language formulations were tested during cognitive interviews using the verbal probing method. The results of the socio-psychological survey (N = 481, age 18 to 71, M = 38,69, SD = 11,96) were tested using confirmatory factor analysis and other tests to assess the empirical structure of the data, reliability, and validity of the scales.
Results. Based on the test results, the questionnaire can be considered a reliable and valid tool for measuring the severity of gaps between personal and presented, as well as personal and relational identities. 
Conclusions. Identity Gap Scale in Communication is reliable and valid instrument with practical significance as both a research tool and for diagnosis and assessment of the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing identity gaps, including within the framework of psychotherapy, coaching, or crisis communication.

General Information

Keywords: identity gap, identity, communication, relational identity, enacted identity, personal identity, interpersonal interaction

Journal rubric: Methodological Tools

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/sps.2025160411

Funding. The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, project number № 25-18-00544, https://rscf.ru/project/25-18-00544/.

Acknowledgements. The authors are grateful for assistance in data collection D.D. Strogov.

Received 14.09.2025

Revised 24.10.2025

Accepted

Published

For citation: Bultseva, M.A., Vasilyeva, E.D., Trifonova, A.V. (2025). Adaptation and validation of the Identity Gap Scale in Communication by M.L. Hecht and E. Jung. Social Psychology and Society, 16(4), 186–203. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/sps.2025160411

© Bultseva M.A., Vasilyeva E.D., Trifonova A.V., 2025

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

References

  1. Белинская, Е.П., Бронин, И.Д. (2014). Адаптация русскоязычной версии опросника стилей идентичности М. Берзонски. Психологические исследования, 7(34), 12–
    Belinskaya, E.P., Bronin, I.D. (2014). Adaptation of the Russian-language version of M. Berzonsky's identity styles questionnaire. Psychological research, 7(34), 12–12. (In Russ.).
  2. Борисенко, Ю.В. (2020а). Адаптация методики Identity Stage Resolution Index (ISRI) на русский язык. Вестник Кемеровского государственного университета, 22(3), 735–743. https://doi.org/10.21603/2078-8975-2020-22-3-735-743
    Borisenko, J.V. (2020a). Russian Adaptation of Identity Stage Resolution Index (ISRI). Bulletin of Kemerovo State University, 22(3), 735–743. https://doi.org/10.21603/2078-8975-2020-22-3-735-743
  3. Борисенко, Ю.В. (2020б). Апробация и адаптация методики исследования процессов идентичности «Dimensions of Identity Development Scale» (DIDS). Вектор науки Тольяттинского государственного университета, Серия: Педагогика, психология, 3(42), 33–41. https://doi.org/10.18323/2221-5662-2020-3-33-41
    Borisenko, Yu.V. (2020b). Testing and adaptation of the methodology for studying identity processes "Dimensions of Identity Development Scale" (DIDS). Vector of Science of Togliatti State University, Series: Pedagogy, Psychology, 3(42), 33–41. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.18323/2221-5662-2020-3-33-41
  4. Вдовенко, В., Щебетенко, С., Старовойтенко, Е. (2021). Я в самопознании: Русскоязычная версия Шкалы ясности Я-концепции. Психологические исследования, 14(77). https://doi.org/10.54359/ps.v14i157
    Vdovenko, V., Shchebetenko, S., Starovoytenko, E. (2021). I in self-knowledge: The Russian version of the Self-Concept Clarity Scale. Psychological Studies, 14(77). (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.54359/ps.v14i77.157
  5. Зверева, Н.В., Воронова, С.С., Зверева, М.В. (2022). Русскоязычная версия международного опросника AIDA («Оценка идентичности личности у подростков»). Личность в меняющемся мире: здоровье, адаптация, развитие, 10(1(36)), 7–22.
    Zvereva, N.V., Voronova, S.S., Zvereva, M.V. (2022). Russian-language version of the international AIDA questionnaire ("Assessment of Identity Development in Adolescence"). Personality in a changing world: health, adaptation, development, 10(1(36)), 7–22. (In Russ.).
  6. Золотарева, А.А. (2023). Адаптация русскоязычной версии шкалы генерализованного тревожного расстройства (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). Консультативная психология и психотерапия, 31(4), 31–46.
    Zolotareva, A.A. (2023). Adaptation of the Russian-language version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale. Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy, 31(4), 31– (In Russ.).
  7. Пахтусова, Н.А., Уварина, Н.И., Савченков, А.В. (2021). Исследование проблемы становления сетевой идентичности личности в условиях виртуальной образовательной среды: монография. М.: Первое экономическое изд-во. https://doi.org/10.18334/9785912923708
    Pakhtusova, N.A., Uvarina, N.I., Savchenkov, A.V. (2021). Research of the problem of formation of network identity of the person in the conditions of virtual educational environment: monograph. Moscow: First economic publishing house. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.18334/9785912923708
  8. Суворова, И.Ю., Бабий, А.А., Корзун, Н.В. (2021). Адаптация общей шкалы удовлетворения базовых психологических потребностей Э. Деси и Р. Райана. Актуальные проблемы психологического знания, 1(2), 55–66.
    Suvorova, I.Yu., Babiy, A.A., Korzun, N.V. (2021). Adaptation of E. Deci and R. Ryan’s Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scales. Actual problems of psychological knowledge, 1(2), 55– (In Russ.).
  9. Терскова, М.А., Богатырева, Н.И., Иванов, А.А., Романова, М.О., Быков, А.О., Анкушев, В.В. (2022). Воспринимаемая коллективная преемственность: адаптация шкалы для российского контекста. Культурно-историческая психология, 18(2), 127–135. https://doi.org/10.17759/chp.2022180214
    Terskova, M.A., Bogatyrevа, N., Ivanov, A.A., Romanova, M.O., Bykov, A.O., Ankushev, V. (2022). Perceived Collective Continuity: Scale Adaption for the Russian Context. Cultural-Historical Psychology, 18(2), 127– https://doi.org/10.17759/chp.2022180214 (In Russ.).
  10. Amado, S., Snyder, H.R., Gutchess, A. (2020). Mind the Gap: The Relation Between Identity Gaps and Depression Symptoms in Cultural Adaptation. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1156. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01156
  11. Bergquist, G., Soliz, J., Everhart, K., Braithwaite, D.O., Kreimer, L. (2019). Investigating Layers of Identity and Identity Gaps in Refugee Resettlement Experiences in the Midwestern United States. Western Journal of Communication, 83(3), 383–402. https://doi.org/10.1080/10570314.2018.1552009
  12. Berzonsky, M.D. (1989). Identity style: Conceptualization and measurement. Journal of Adolescent Research, 4(3), 268–282. https://doi.org/10.1177/074355488943002
  13. Burns, A.J., Peters, C. (2024). Identity veiling: Theorizing identity gap negotiation post-intimate partner violence. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 41(6), 1324–1346. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075231221079
  14. Campbell, J.D., Trapnell, P., Heine, S.J., Katz, I.M., Lavallee, L.F., Lehman, D.R. (1996). Self-concept clarity: Measurement, personality correlates, and cultural boundaries. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 70(1), 141–156. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.70.1.141
  15. Chen, F.F. (2007). Sensitivity of Goodness of Fit Indexes to Lack of Measurement Invariance. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 14(3), 464–504. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705510701301834
  16. Cheung, G.W., Cooper-Thomas, H.D., Lau, R.S., Wang, L.C. (2024). Reporting reliability, convergent and discriminant validity with structural equation modeling: A review and best-practice recommendations. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 41(2), 745–783. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10490-023-09871-y
  17. Côté, J.E., Schwartz, S.J. (2002). Comparing psychological and sociological approaches to identity: Identity status, identity capital, and the individualization process. Journal of Adolescence, 25(6), 571–586. https://doi.org/10.1006/jado.2002.0511
  18. Daniels, R., Rittenour, C. (2018). Female International Students' Identity Gaps and Communication Outcomes. Intercultural Communication Studies, 27(3), 28–51.
  19. Golino, H.F., Epskamp, S. (2017). Exploratory graph analysis: A new approach for estimating the number of dimensions in psychological research. PLOS ONE, 12(6), e0174035. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0174035
  20. Goth, K., Schmeck, K. (2012). Assessment of Identity Development in Adolescence (AIDA): Development and validation of a self-report questionnaire for ages 12 to 18. European Psychiatry, 27(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2011.02.001
  21. Graham, E.E., Mazer, J.P. (Eds.). (2019). Communication research measures III: A sourcebook, Routledge.
  22. Hankins, M. (2008). The reliability of the twelve-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) under realistic assumptions. BMC public health, 8(1), 355.
  23. Hecht, M.L. (1993). 2002–a research odyssey: Toward the development of a communication theory of identity. Communication Monographs, 60(1), 76–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637759309376297
  24. Henseler, J., Ringle, C.M., Sarstedt, M. (2015). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(1), 115–135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-014-0403-8
  25. Hu, Y., Hong, J., Diao, C. (2019). Relationship between cross-cultural communication competence and depression in international students: Mediating effect of identity gaps. Journal of Psychological Science, 42(4), 956–962. https://jps.ecnu.edu.cn/EN/Y2019/V42/I4/956
  26. Jung, E. (2011). Identity Gap: Mediator Between Communication Input and Outcome Variables. Communication Quarterly, 59(3), 315–338. https://doi.org/10.1080/01463373.2011.583501
  27. Jung, E., Hecht, M.L. (2004). Elaborating the communication theory of identity: Identity gaps and communication outcomes. Communication Quarterly, 52(3), 265–283. https://doi.org/10.1080/01463370409370197
  28. Jung, E., Hecht, M.L. (2008). Identity Gaps and Level of Depression Among Korean Immigrants. Health Communication, 23(4), 313–325. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410230802229688
  29. Jung, E., Hecht, M.L., Wadsworth, B.C. (2007). The role of identity in international students’ psychological well-being in the United States: A model of depression level, identity gaps, discrimination, and acculturation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 31(5), 605–624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2007.04.001
  30. Kam, J.A., Hecht, M.L. (2009). Investigating the role of identity gaps among communicative and relational outcomes within the grandparent–grandchild relationship: The young-adult grandchildren's perspective. Western journal of communication, 73(4), 456–480.
  31. Kline, R.B. (2010). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (3rd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
  32. Luyckx, K., Schwartz, S.J., Berzonsky, M.D., Soenens, B., Vansteenkiste, M., Smits, I., Goossens, L. (2008). Capturing ruminative exploration: Extending the four-dimensional model of identity formation in late adolescence. Journal of Research in Personality, 42(1), 58–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2007.04.004
  33. McCall, G.J., Simmons, J.L. (1978). Identities and interactions. New York: Free Press.
  34. Murray, C.L., Kennedy-Lightsey, C.D. (2013). Should I Stay or Go?: Student Identity Gaps, Feelings, and Intent to Leave. Communication Research Reports, 30(2), 96–105. https://doi.org/10.1080/08824096.2012.762894
  35. Phillips, K.E., Ledbetter, A.M., Soliz, J., Bergquist, G. (2018). Investigating the Interplay Between Identity Gaps and Communication Patterns in Predicting Relational Intentions in Families in the United States. Journal of Communication, 68(3), 590–611. https://doi.org/10.1093/joc/jqy016
  36. Sani, F., Bowe, M., Herrera, M. (2008). Perceived collective continuity and social well‐being: Exploring the connections. European Journal of Social Psychology, 38(2), 365–374. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.461
  37. Stets, J.E., Serpe, R.T. (2013). Identity theory. In: Handbook of social psychology, 2nd ed. (сс. 31–60). Springer Science + Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6772-0_2
  38. Stryker, S. (1980). Symbolic Interactionism: A Social Structural Version (Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company).
  39. Voorhees, H.L. (2023). “I Was Literally Just Not Myself”: How Chronic Pain Changes Multiple Frames of Identity. Health Communication, 38(8), 1641–1653. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2022.2025702
  40. Wang, N. (2020). Online and Offline Identity Gaps: Cross-Contextual Predictors and Psychological Outcome. URL: https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/726
  41. Weaver, M.S., Hinds, P., Kellas, J.K., Hecht, M.L. (2021). Identifying as a Good Parent: Considering the Communication Theory of Identity for Parents of Children Receiving Palliative Care. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 24(2), 305–309. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2020.0131
  42. Wehrman, E.C. (2023). “I don’t even know who I am”: Identity reconstruction after the loss of a spouse. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 40(4), 1250–1276. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221127399

Information About the Authors

Mariya A. Bultseva, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Sociocultural Research, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5899-9916, e-mail: mbultseva@hse.ru

Ekaterina D. Vasilyeva, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Research Fellow of the Centre for Sociocultural Research, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7814-953X, e-mail: edvasilyeva@hse.ru

Anastasia V. Trifonova, independent researcher, BA in Finnish Language and Literature, BA in Psychology, University of Tartu, Estonia, Espoo, Finland, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8780-7859, e-mail: av_trifonova@mail.ru

Contribution of the authors

Maria A. Bultseva — ideas; annotation, writing of the manuscript; planning of the research; control over the research.

Ekaterina D. Vasilyeva — ideas; data collection and analysis; writing and design of the manuscript.

Anastasia V. Trifonova — application of statistical, mathematical or other methods for data analysis; visualization of research results; writing the manuscript.

All authors participated in the discussion of the results and approved the final text of the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Metrics

 Web Views

Whole time: 6
Previous month: 0
Current month: 6

 PDF Downloads

Whole time: 2
Previous month: 0
Current month: 2

 Total

Whole time: 8
Previous month: 0
Current month: 8