Type
Text
Type
Dissertation
Advisor
Aron, Arthur P. | Moyer, Anne | Heyman, Richard E | Lewandowski, Jr., Gary W.
Date
2012-05-01
Keywords
intimate relationships, self-concept, self-concept clarity, self-expansion | Social psychology
Department
Department of Social/Health Psychology
Language
en_US
Source
This work is sponsored by the Stony Brook University Graduate School in compliance with the requirements for completion of degree.
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/11401/70921
Publisher
The Graduate School, Stony Brook University: Stony Brook, NY.
Format
application/pdf
Abstract
Self-expansion is theorized to be a fundamental motivation for individuals to add to their abilities, perspectives, and identities. Rapidly self-expanding experiences (like falling in love) satisfy this motivation at a fast rate, and are particularly satisfying. However, novel and challenging activities mirror the experience of the rapid expansion, whether they are actually expanding or not, and thus are theorized to be experienced as if they are self-expanding (and thus rewarding). The influence of such activities on one's self-concept clarity (how clearly and confidently defined one's self-concept is) has not been previously examined, which limits our understanding of how diverse experiences affect clarity of our self-conceptualizations. Further, another common kind of life activity, rediscovery activities (activities once experienced as enjoyable but that have not been carried out for a long time) have also not been examined for their effect on self-concept clarity, nor for their role in the self-expansion process. This dissertation reports two experiments designed to advance our understanding by examining how the self-expansion process influences changes in self-concept clarity through actual engagement in or through writing about experiences of expanding, rediscovery, or control activities. Results indicated that after participating in activities, expansion led to significantly less self-concept clarity. After writing about activities with one's romantic relationship partner, rediscovery led to significantly greater self-concept clarity. An additional outcome included higher inclusion of the other in one's self after writing about a rediscovery experience with one's closest other. These results help clarify the effect of expansion and rediscovery experiences on self-concept clarity and deepen our understanding of the self-expansion process. | 79 pages
Recommended Citation
Nardone, Natalie, "Self-expansion and self-concept clarity: The effect of expanding and rediscovery activities on perceptions of the self and relationships" (2012). Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions). 129.
https://commons.library.stonybrook.edu/stony-brook-theses-and-dissertations-collection/129