IDENTITY AS AN INTERNAL RESOURCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HARDINESS

Despite the extensive body of research on psychological hardiness, a significant theoretical gap remains regarding the role of identity as an integrative mechanism underlying its structural components. Existing models predominantly conceptualize hardiness as a set of dispositional traits (commitment, control, and challenge), while insufficient attention is paid to identity as a dynamic self-regulatory system that ensures coherence, meaning-making, and adaptive functioning under stress. Purpose. This study aims to conceptualize identity as a core internal resource of psychological hardiness and to empirically examine its role in the formation and regulation of commitment, control, and challenge. Methods. The empirical study was conducted on a large heterogeneous sample (N = 1075; age range 14–70). A set of validated psychometric instruments was employed, including the Maddi Hardiness Test, Shostrom Self-Actualization Test, Sheldon Self-Determination Scale, Schwarzer & Jerusalem General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis (SPSS 21.0). Results. The findings indicate a predominance of a medium level of hardiness (68.2%). Significant positive correlations were found between identity-related constructs and hardiness indicators, particularly psychological well-being (r = 0.63, p < .01), meaning in life (r = 0.58, p < .01), environmental mastery (r = 0.71, p < .01), and autonomy (r = 0.59, p < .01). Negative correlations were identified between affect imbalance and hardiness (r = −0.52, p < .01). Two key mechanisms were identified: (1) a meaning-making mechanism, linking identity with commitment through value differentiation and self-acceptance, and (2) a regulatory mechanism, linking identity with control through autonomy and internal locus of support. Conclusions. The study demonstrates that identity functions as a multi-level, dynamic system that integrates self-actualization, self-determination, and psychological well-being, thereby serving as a fundamental predictor of psychological hardiness. The results extend existing theoretical models by positioning identity as a system-forming construct rather than a secondary correlate. Implications. The findings have practical implications for the development of psychological interventions aimed at strengthening resilience through identity-based resources, including autonomy, meaning in life, and self-acceptance. Future research should employ longitudinal and structural equation modeling approaches to establish causal relationships and cross-cultural generalizability. Keywords: identity; psychological hardiness; resilience; self-determination; psychological well-being; self-efficacy; meaning in life; autonomy; adaptation; coping.