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Beyond cause to consequence: The road from possible to core self-revision
Patrick J Carroll1, Robert A Agler2, Daniel W Newhart3
1Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University-Lima, Lima, OH, USA.
Summary
Repeatedly revising your possible selves, especially downward, can erode self-integrity. This occurs when defensive attributions are used for negative self-revision experiences, impacting self-doubt and self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Self-Concept Research
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- The self is dynamic and subject to revision over time.
- Possible selves represent future self-states individuals aspire to or wish to avoid.
- Self-attributions influence how individuals interpret and respond to experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term consequences of possible self-revision on core self-integrity.
- To examine the mediating role of attributional styles in the self-revision process.
- To understand the interplay between possible selves and self-attributions in shaping self-concept.
Main Methods:
- Two correlational studies were conducted.
- Participants reported on past possible self-revision experiences and attributional styles.
- Core self-integrity was assessed through measures of self-doubt and self-esteem.
Main Results:
- Greater experience with downward possible self-revision predicted lower core self-integrity.
- The relationship between downward self-revision and reduced self-integrity was mediated by attributional style.
- Defensive attributions for negative self-revision experiences were linked to greater declines in self-integrity.
Conclusions:
- Repeated downward possible self-revision can undermine core self-integrity.
- Attributional processes (defensive vs. remedial) are crucial mediators in this self-concept change.
- Possible selves and self-attributions function as complementary systems influencing self-integrity over time.
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