Identity formation among teenagers: the role of training camp

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of jihadi camps on the identity formation of teenagers in Iran. Seventy-six campers participated in the study and were randomly divided into control (n=42) and experimental groups (n=34). The control group does not follow the camp's regular program while the experimental group attended to the camp's regular program. All participants completed the Dellas Identity Status Inventory (DISI) (Dellas and Jernigan, 1987); this questionnaire consists of two subscales of achiever: commitment and exploration. The results revealed statistically significant differences on the experimental and nonexperimental group, in two specific attitude subscales. These findings imply that participation in this particular camp can have a positive influence on teenagers' professional Identity.