THE INTERACTION OF EXTRAVERSION AND NEUROTICISM IN PREDICTING SELF-IDENTITY CRISIS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA: THE MODERATING ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT

Abstract

This study investigated extraversion, neuroticism, and social support as
predictors of adolescent identity crisis, guided by Erikson's (1968) identity development
theory. Erikson's model highlights adolescence as a critical phase for resolving identity
versus role confusion, where personal traits and external support shape self-perception. The
participants included 216 high school seniors aged 14 to 19 (M = 16.94) from 12 Community
Secondary Schools in southeastern Nigeria. Five hypotheses were tested, with a focus on
whether extraversion, neuroticism, and social support predict identity crises. Hypothesis 1
posited that extraversion would not significantly predict identity crisis, whereas Hypothesis 3
suggested that social support would be a strong predictor. Hypothesis 4 proposed that social
support would moderate the relationship between extraversion and identity crisis. Using the
Self-Identity Crisis Questionnaire (SICQ), the Big Five Personality Inventory, and the
multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the results revealed that
extraversion (b = .11, t = 1.49, p = .136) and neuroticism (b = .11, t = 1.57, p = .117) did not
predict identity crises. However, social support significantly predicted identity crisis (b = .11,
t = 1.49, p = .136). Social support did not moderate the extraversion–identity crisis
relationship (b = .01, t = 1.184, p = .23), but it did moderate the effect of neuroticism. In line
with Erikson's theory, the findings emphasize the crucial role of social support in adolescent
identity formation. This suggests that fostering supportive environments can reduce identity
crises, especially for adolescents with neurotic tendencies, helping them navigate this critical
developmental stage.