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The self as a mediator between personality and adjustment
W G Graziano1, L A Jensen-Campbell, J F Finch
1Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4235, USA.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|August 1, 1997
Summary
This study shows personality links to adjustment are domain-specific. Self-esteem and 5-factor model dimensions connect differently to student adjustment based on context.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- The self acts as a mediator between personality and adaptive behaviors.
- Understanding personality's influence on adjustment requires considering different levels of analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the domain specificity of links between personality dimensions and student adjustment.
- To examine how self-systems and the 5-factor model relate to teacher-assessed adjustment in diverse student groups.
Main Methods:
- A level-of-analysis approach was employed.
- Structural equation modeling analyzed data from 317 African American, Mexican American, and European American students.
- Personality dimensions, self-esteem, and teacher ratings of adjustment were assessed.
Main Results:
- Hypotheses regarding domain specificity were supported.
- Links between self-esteem, 5-factor model dimensions, and adjustment demonstrated domain-specific relationships.
- The findings highlight the importance of context in personality-adjustment connections.
Conclusions:
- Personality structure and development are best understood through a multi-level analysis.
- Domain specificity is crucial for understanding how personality influences adaptation to social contexts.
- Future research should consider these levels when examining personality and adjustment.