College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Summer 8-22-2021

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Verena Graupmann, PhD

Second Advisor

Kimberly Quinn, PhD

Third Advisor

Shelly Rauvola, PhD

Abstract

course of this dissertation, I introduce the idea of the true self construct as a personalized route to individual meaning and stability at a time in history when external direction regarding values and purpose is in decline. Setting aside the question of the ontological status of the true self, I emphasize that beliefs about and representations of the true self have distinctive psychological impact and cite research supporting this assertion. I then review evidence of the aptness of such true self-orientations in supporting well-being, fulfillment of basic psychological needs, and resilience against threat. Across two studies, I investigated the effectiveness of connecting with one’s true self-orientations for defending against three levels of personal morality threat severity. Compelling support arose for well-being being positively related to participants’ belief in having a true self. Evidence consistently suggested this to be the case across threat severity, but moderate evidence also supported the possibility that true self-orientations are ineffective against strong threat (Study 1). Participants highly preferred to engage with their true self-concepts across threat condition, and in doing so reported significantly higher subjective vitality than those who explored self-flexibility. Other well-being outcomes were unaffected by threat and connection to different self-conceptualizations (Study 2). I then consider theoretical implications and propose multiple pathways for fruitful future exploration. In particular, trait-level true self-orientations seem most effective for predicting well-being, and people may need additional guidance to effectively utilize their true self-orientations for active coping support.

SLP Collection

no

Included in

Psychology Commons

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