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The relational-interdependent self-construal, self-concept consistency, and well-being
Susan E Cross1, Jonathan S Gore, Michael L Morris
1Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA. scross@iastate.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 6, 2003
Summary
Consistency in personality may be less crucial for well-being if the self is viewed as relational. Studies show a weaker link between consistency and well-being for individuals with a highly relational self-construal.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- Cultural Psychology
Background:
- Traditional consistency perspectives in psychology often assume an independent, individualistic self.
- This view may not fully capture the experiences of individuals with a relational or interdependent self-construal.
- The importance of consistency for social behavior and psychological well-being might differ across self-construals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the assumptions of consistency perspectives in social and personality psychology.
- To investigate the relationship between self-construal, consistency, authenticity, and well-being.
- To explore the implications of cultural differences in self-construal for theories of personality and well-being.
Main Methods:
- Utilized various measures of psychological well-being.
- Assessed individual differences in self-construal (independent vs. relational).
- Examined the association between self-construal, consistency, authenticity, and well-being across multiple studies.
Main Results:
- A weaker relationship was found between consistency and well-being for individuals with a highly relational self-construal compared to those with a low relational self-construal.
- Study 3 specifically investigated the interplay between self-construal, consistency, authenticity, and well-being.
- Findings suggest that cultural analyses are vital for advancing theories of self, personality, and well-being.
Conclusions:
- The importance of psychological consistency for well-being may be moderated by self-construal.
- Relational self-construal may buffer against negative outcomes associated with inconsistency.
- Future theoretical development in psychology should incorporate a cultural perspective on the self and well-being.
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