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Self-complexity as a cognitive buffer against stress-related illness and depression
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Greater self-complexity protects against stress-related depression and illness. Individuals with more distinct self-aspects experience fewer negative health outcomes when facing stressful life events.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Stressful life events can negatively impact mental and physical health.
- Individual differences in cognitive self-representation may influence vulnerability to stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the self-complexity buffering hypothesis.
- To examine if self-complexity moderates the relationship between stress and adverse health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design with two assessment sessions.
- Multiple regression analysis to examine interactions between stress and self-complexity.
- Measurement of stressful events, self-complexity, depression, and illness.
Main Results:
- A significant interaction between stress and self-complexity supported the buffering hypothesis.
- Higher self-complexity was associated with lower depression, perceived stress, and fewer physical symptoms.
- Individuals with higher self-complexity experienced less illness, including the flu, following stressful events.
Conclusions:
- Self-complexity acts as a buffer against the negative effects of stress on depression and illness.
- Cognitive representations of the self play a role in stress-related vulnerability.
- Interventions aimed at increasing self-complexity may mitigate stress-related health problems.