The Continued Assessment of Self-Continuity and Identity

ABSTRACT

Studies have found that self-continuity is predictive of a substantial number of important outcome variables. However, a recent series of studies brings into question the traditional method of measuring self-continuity in favor of an alternative (B. M. Baird, K. Le, & R. E. Lucas, 2006). The present study represents a further comparison of measurement methods examining the outcome variables of identity, negative affect, and self-esteem while also exploring the possible moderating roles of culture and relational-interdependent self-construal. The results suggest that the methods yield distinctive results with the new method being associated with negative affect, but not with self-esteem or identity. This finding is especially important for the research in the area of identity because self-continuity is seen as being an essential element of identity and the results suggest that traditional identity concepts and measures are not inclusive of this vital component.

Keywords:

• affect
• cross-cultural
• identity
• self-esteem
• self-continuity

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Leslie Minor wishes to thank the National University of Singapore for their support in completing this project.