English abstract
This study aimed to explore the contribution of cognitive distortion to different identity statuses
(Identity Diffusion - identity Foreclosure - identity Moratorium - identity Achievement) in the Sultanate
of Oman, and reveal the differences between the four statuses of identity, as well as the differences
between the four states of identity and cognitive distortion according to demographic variables such as
gender, father’s level of education, and economic level. A descriptive, correlational, and comparative
approach was used with a sample of 398 male and female students. Data were collected using two scales:
the identity status Scale, and the Cognitive Distortion Scale. The study found a statistically significant
relationship between the four identity statuses (Identity Diffusion–identity Foreclosure–identity
Moratorium–identity Achievement) in cognitive distortion, and the differences between both cognitive
distortion and identity diffusion are greater than the differences between the other identity statuses. This
indicates that the individual and his behavior are determined according to his way of thinking, including
how he views the external world, and that the individual’s experiences in early life directly affect the
nature of his cognitive organization. This constitutes a negative concept about oneself, his future, and
his external environment. The study indicated a contribution rate of cognitive distortion in the four
identity cases (Identity Diffusion–identity foreclosure–identity moratorium–identity achievement)
among adolescents. The highest contribution rate of cognitive distortion was in favor of identity
diffusion, followed by identity foreclosure, identity moratorium, and identity achievement. There were
also statistically significant differences in identity status and cognitive distortion according to
demographic variables (gender, fathers’ education level, and economic level). Research
recommendations and suggestions that are consistent with the results of this study have been developed.
Key Words : Cognitive distortion ,identity status
