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Social-class differences in self-concept clarity and their implications for well-being
Jinkyung Na1, Micaela Y Chan2, Jennifer Lodi-Smith3
11 Sogang University, Korea.
Journal of Health Psychology
|April 27, 2016
Summary
Middle-class individuals report higher self-concept clarity, which is linked to better well-being. This clarity
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- A stable sense of self is culturally valued, particularly in middle-class settings.
- Social class may influence the importance of self-concept clarity for well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between social class and self-concept clarity.
- To examine the moderating role of social class in the association between self-concept clarity and well-being.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Self-report measures of self-concept clarity, social class, life satisfaction, and mental health.
- Statistical analysis including regression and moderation analyses.
Main Results:
- Self-concept clarity was positively associated with higher social class.
- Self-concept clarity positively correlated with life satisfaction and mental health.
- The association between self-concept clarity and well-being (life satisfaction, mental health) was weaker for working-class individuals.
Conclusions:
- Social class influences the level and importance of self-concept clarity.
- Interventions promoting self-concept clarity may be more beneficial for middle-class individuals' well-being.
- Self-concept clarity is not significantly associated with physical health across social classes.
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