Shared Identity: Development and Validation of a Scale

Abstract

Shared identity is the main focus of team and group studies, where interaction among group members is the prime concern. Shared identity can also be a good measure for the couples for understanding their cognition, affection, behavior, inclusion and perception. This study was the part of the larger study of a doctoral thesis. Shared identity scale was developed and validated using the collected data from dual career couples. In the initial study 19 items measure was developed. It was modified based on experts' suggestion from the psychological field. Data of 426 dual career couples were factor analysed, and five-factor structures (affective, cognitive, perceived similarities, behaviour and inclusion) were identified. Further factor structure was validated by confirmatory factor analysis and finally convergent and discriminate validity quantitative analysis. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.