Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41686693›Full record

SynthesisJournal of pediatric psychology2026

Measures of identity in adolescents/young adults with long-term physical health conditions: a systematic review.

Tessa Rugg, Line Caes, Christopher Eccleston, Bernie Carter, Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert, Clare E Pain, Abbie Jordan

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal of pediatric psychology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Tessa RuggDepartment of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.ORCID 0000-0003-2897-2701
Line CaesDivision of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom.ORCID 0000-0001-7355-0706
Christopher EcclestonCentre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.
Bernie CarterFaculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom.ORCID 0000-0001-5226-9878
Jeremy Gauntlett-GilbertBath Centre for Pain Services, Royal United Hospital, Bath, United Kingdom.ORCID 0000-0002-8461-4151
Clare E PainDepartment of Paediatric Rheumatology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.ORCID 0000-0003-4965-3259
Abbie JordanDepartment of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.ORCID 0000-0003-1595-5574

Funding

Sir Halley Stewart TrustSir Halley Stewart Trust and University of BathUniversity of Bath
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveWe identified and evaluated measures of identity used with adolescents/young adults aged 16-24 years living with long-term physical health conditions (LTC-P), focusing on the conceptualization, development, and psychometric properties of measures. Review funded by Sir Halley Stewart Trust and the University of Bath. Review protocol: https://osf.io/bhkze.

methodFive databases (APA PsychNET, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and CINAHL) were searched. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed, reported participants aged 16-24 years with LTC-P, and used a quantitative identity measure. Psychometric properties and risk of bias were evaluated using Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments V1 (COSMIN) quality criteria, and content validity was reviewed narratively. Data analysis and synthesis followed COSMIN methodology for reviews.

resultsThirty-seven papers met inclusion criteria, involving 9,486 participants and 16 identity measures. Across the papers, identity was defined and conceptualized in varied ways. Only three measures, the Illness Identity Questionnaire (IIQ), Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS), and Identity Motives Scale (IMS), were used in multiple studies and assessed for psychometric quality. Evaluated properties included structural validity, internal consistency, measurement invariance, and construct validity. The IIQ and DIDS were tentatively recommended for use. The IMS was rated as needing further validation due to limited content validity.

conclusionsThe IIQ and DIDS may be appropriate when their conceptual focus aligns with research objectives. Remaining measures should be used cautiously; many lack developmental or condition-specific relevance. Future identity measure development should integrate lived experience, expert input, and rigorous psychometric testing to ensure tools are both meaningful and fit for purpose in target populations.

Indexed as

PsychometricsSelf ConceptAdolescentChronic DiseaseHumansYoung AdultCOSMINidentitylong-term physical health conditionsmeasureyoung adults

Identifiers

PMID41686693
PMCPMC13221185

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.