IDENTITY COMMITMENT IN A COLLECTIVISTIC SOCIETY: THE ROLE OF CULTURAL ORIENTATION AND RELIGIOUS COMMITMENT AMONG MIZO YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

The present study examines the role of cultural orientation (individualism and collectivism) and religious commitment in predicting identity commitment among Mizo young adults. A total of 158 participants aged 18–30 years completed standardized measures including the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS), Individualism–Collectivism Scale (INDCOL-16), and Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI-10). Correlational analysis indicated that religious commitment had the strongest association with identity commitment, followed by individualism, while collectivism showed the weakest relationship. Multiple regression analysis revealed that religious commitment was the strongest predictor of identity commitment, followed by individualism, whereas collectivism was not a significant predictor. The findings suggest that identity commitment in a collectivistic society is influenced not only by cultural values but also significantly by personal belief systems.