The influences of the fatalism frequently associated with Appalachian culture on adolescent identity processes were explored. The sample consisted of 91 Appalachian adolescents and 87 non-Appalachian adolescents. Participants completed measures of fatalism (operationalized in terms of higher hopelessness and lower optimism/efficacy scores) and Berzonsky's identity styles (information, normative, diffuse-avoidant). Findings indicated an association between fatalism and the diffuse-avoidant identity style. At the same time, Appalachian participants were found to be more fatalistic and to have a higher mean diffuse-avoidant score than the non-Appalachian participants. Analyses also revealed a significant gender difference in identity style. Implications for family and consumer sciences professionals are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)