SOCIALIZATION MODELS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF SELF

The study analyzes relationships between socialization practices and i dentity. A special form of role construct repertory grid was applied t o 2 groups of preadolescents who had experienced opposed socialization practices. Group I was raised within a ''polyadic model,'' with sever al caregivers and multiple attachments, and Group 2 was raised within a ''dyadic model,'' with a single caregiver who had privileged relatio nship with the child. Those in Group I were found to be more multidime nsional and more inclined than those in Group 2 to construe themselves and others ambivalently. They also tended to identify with more peopl e than those in Group 2, who identified with I or at most 2 people. Th ose in Group I tended to distinguish move clearly between ''me as I am '' and ''me as others see me.'' These results are discussed and interp reted as adaptation strategies for different social contexts.