Black adolescent identity formation was studied within the frameworks of Erikson's psychosocial theory and structural family systems theory. Ego identity was measured by the Revised Version of the EOM-EIS, an instrument based on Erikson's theoretical formulations. Family structure was measured by FACES III and a measure of self-esteem was obtained using Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. It was hypothesized that a significant relationship would exist between ego identity and family structure after controlling for self-esteem and demographic variables. Two hundred thirty-seven urban black adolescents participated in the study. Multiple regression analysis was utilized to test the hypotheses in this study. The results supported a relationship between ego identity and family structure. The results further revealed a positive relationship between high family cohesion (enmeshment) and high identity which was surprising from both Eriksonian and structural perspectives. On the other hand, this finding offered support for the cultural component of ego identity and underscored the importance of recognizing strengths in family structures even if they differ from those which family theorists and clinicians expect would work best. Self-esteem was found to be a significant predictor of ego identity but failed to differentiate among the four ego identity statuses. Females reported significantly less identity diffusion than males, providing evidence that gender differences exist in ego identity development.Ph. D.