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