Accounting for oneself: meanings of self-descriptions and inconsistencies in self-descriptions

Changes in one man's evaluations and expectations of himself are explored using new interview procedures, based on the implication grid, that readily reveal inconsistencies in an individual's view of him or himself. The process of negotiating inconsistencies with the individual concerned resulted in considerable clarification, and some redefinition of his self-concept. Analysis of his protocol demonstrated the viability of 'accounting for self' in terms of 'enabling conditions' (after Harré & Secord) and individually determined 'worth' (after Taylor).