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The Relational Self-Schema Measure: Assessing Psychological Needs in Multiple Self-with-Other Representations
Walter D Scott1, Suzanna L Penningroth1, Stephen Paup1
1Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|March 30, 2021
Summary
This study introduces the Relational Self-Schema Measure (RSSM) to assess self-perception within social contexts. The RSSM effectively captures individual differences in relational self-schemas, impacting mood and anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Self-schema theory suggests multiple self-representations linked to relational contexts.
- Current measures often assess a generalized self, lacking contextual specificity.
- A need exists for instruments capturing context-dependent self-perceptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate the Relational Self-Schema Measure (RSSM).
- To enhance the content validity of self-schema assessment.
- To explore the relationship between relational self-schemas and psychological well-being.
Main Methods:
- Two studies involving 512 and 516 adults, plus 191 college students.
- Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to validate the RSSM.
- The RSSM was administered alongside measures of self-esteem, attachment, mood, anxiety, and dysfunctional attitudes.
Main Results:
- A robust four-factor model of relational self-schemas emerged: relatedness satisfaction, control satisfaction, self-esteem/status frustration, and autonomy frustration.
- The RSSM demonstrated good convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity.
- Within-person variability in relational self-schemas predicted affect, distress, and anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The Relational Self-Schema Measure (RSSM) offers a valid assessment of context-specific self-perceptions.
- Relational self-schemas significantly influence psychological states like affect and anxiety.
- Understanding self-perception within relationships is crucial for mental health.
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