This study was designed to explore the perspectives of adult men and women, ages 24-61, in the areas of family, work, values, aging, and sexuality. These areas taken together were considered to be a self-evaluation of the person's sense of identity. The original sample consisted of 94 adults (47 males, 47 females) living in the metropolitan area of a moderate-size city in upstate New York. Family situations and socioeconomic status were quite varied as were educational levels which ranged from ninth grade to the Ph. D. level. The data were collected in two phases. From December 1980 to September 1981, Time 1 measures were administered, and a year later Time 2 data were collected. Two interviews were administered in the Time 1 interview session, the Adult Identity Process Interview and the Life History Interview. The Adult Identity Interview began by asking the participant to divide a circle diagram into the "Most Important Areas of My Life" which the interviewer then used to structure the interview questions. Similarly, the Life History Interview began by asking the participant to draw his/her life along a time line continuum which was used for structured questions regarding the participant's earlier life experiences. The Murray Center has acquired all data from Time 1 and Time 2. Time 1 measures include 94 Adult Identity Process Interviews, "The Most Important Areas of My Life" diagrams, Life Drawings, and Biographical Data Questionnaires (coded data and code book available). Time 2 data include more Life Drawings and Life Change measures.
