Tommy M. Phillips

Identity Processes in Poor Adolescents: Exploring the Linkages Between Economic Disadvantage and the Primary Task of Adolescence

Despite an abundance of literature on the topic of adolescent identity formation, little is known about the relationship between socioeconomic status and identity processes, particularly potential effects of poverty on identity formation. Three correlates of poverty-derogatory self-relevant information (in the form of social stigma, marginalization, and disparate treatment), limitations in opportunity structure, and excessive stress-are hypothesized to circumscribe identity processes in poor adolescents. We present a theory that extends current and historical thinking about identity, culminating in an attempt to explain how and through what processes these correlates might impact identity formation.

Does Social Desirability Bias Distort Results on the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire or the Identity Style Inventory

This study was designed to explore the potential effect of social desirability bias on two commonly used measures of identity. Participants (N = 80) completed the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (EIPQ); the Identity Style Inventory, Revised (ISI3); and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale 2(10), a brief measure of social desirability. Results suggest that social desirability bias does not appear to pose a serious threat to the validity of identity research employing either the EIPQ or ISI3. There were no significant correlations between social desirability scores and scores on either of the identity measures. Concurrently, between-groups analyses revealed no significant differences in social desirability bias score by identity status or identity style.

Challenges and Conflicts . . . Strengths and Supports: A Study of Enduring African American Marriages

Most studies of marriage among African Americans have adhered to a problem-oriented perspective. Consequently, relatively little is known about enduring African American marriages. As marriage confers numerous psychosocial and economic benefits, there is merit in studying the characteristics of African American marriages that stand the test of time. Seventy-one married African American couples (mean length of marriage = 32 years) provided information regarding their religious practices, perceived reasons for their marital longevity, challenges encountered, marital happiness, and common areas of disagreement. Participant couples reported being happily married, attending church frequently, praying frequently, and believing that their faith has played a large role in their marital longevity. Responses also indicated that these couples have faced and overcome challenges and disagreements to remain married.

Recollected Parental Care and Fear of Intimacy in Emerging Adults

Two samples of university students (combined N= 299; mean age = 24.97; 86% female) completed the care subscale of the parental bonding instrument and the Fear of Intimacy scale. Analyses indicated that recollected parental care and fear of intimacy were negatively correlated. Concurrently, it was found that (1) participants who reported having a warm, caring relationship with at least one parent were significantly less likely to suffer from a fear of intimacy and (2) participants who scored low on the measure of fear of intimacy were more likely to have mothers who exhibited high levels of warmth and care. Results supported the proposition that the nature of the parent–child relationship has long-reaching effects on how individuals approach romantic relationships.

Influence of a Statewide Marriage Initiative on Clergy Involvement in Marriage Preparation

Although government-funded community healthy marriage initiatives (CHMIs) often focus on clergy-provided premarital education, little is known about the influence of a statewide initiative on clergy attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors. The purpose of this study was to compare Oklahoma clergy over time and Oklahoma clergy with clergy from other states. The findings suggest that the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative (OMI), one of the earliest and largest CHMIs, has influenced clergy attitudes and perceived effectiveness but has had a limited effect on clergy behaviors. In addition, the findings suggest that Oklahoma clergy did not significantly differ from other clergy in the United States regarding premarital education attitudes and behaviors despite the efforts of the OMI. Based on these findings, policymakers should reevaluate approaches to clergy involvement in CHMIs.

An Exploration of the Triarchic Model of Poverty

Data collected from 273 adolescents (mean age = 14.82 years) were analyzed to evaluate the triarchic model of poverty proposed by Phillips (2008), a theoretical framework that accounts for the negative developmental outcomes associated with poverty via three variables: stigmatization/marginalization of the poor, limitations in opportunity structure, and excessive and chronic stress. Results supported the proposed model.

Together Forever: Eternal Perspective and Sacred Practices in American Latter-day Saint Families

Abstract Qualitative data analysis of in-depth interviews with 28 Latter-day Saint families (N = 67 individuals) revealed several recurring themes and concepts. Sharing an “eternal perspective” (i.e., shared belief in eternal marriage, eternal progression, eternal life, and eternal family) emerged as the overarching theme. In connection with the life strengths domain, participants commented on the hope, belonging, purpose, and growth experienced from living their faith. In connection with the marital strengths and parenting strengths domains, participants commented on a variety of sacred practices (e.g., prayer, scripture study, and church attendance) and relational strengths (e.g., forgiveness, humility, and patience) that reportedly helped their family relationships. Overall, the intersection of belief, practice, and strength played an important role in these families, with specific shared beliefs in an “eternal perspective” most salient.

An Exploratory Study of Violent Media Consumption and Aggression in Black College Students

One-hundred Black college students attending a historically Black college and university (HBCU) on the east coast of the United States participated in a study intended to explore and provide baseline information on the relationship between violent media consumption and aggression in Black college students. Results suggest that, consistent with college students and emerging adults in general, Black college students are heavy users of violent media and that violent media is related to aggression. This study makes an important contribution to the research literature by illuminating violent media consumption and the relationship between violent media consumption and aggression in a population that has been overlooked or understudied by previous media violence-aggression research.