All role transitions are not experienced equally: Associations among self-change,emotional reactions,and self-concept clarity |
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Authors: | Erica B. Slotter Courtney M. Walsh |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA;2. Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA |
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Abstract: | Individuals experience numerous transitions across various roles during their lives. These role transitions can be disruptive to the way individuals view their identity, and thus their well-being; however, role transitions do not affect all individuals equally. Therefore, in the current work, we focused on two factors which may influence self-concept clarity and explain differential experiences following role transitions. We tested the relationship between the amount of self-change and positive emotions in reaction to a role transition predicting self-concept clarity, including both role entries (e.g. parenthood/new relationships, Studies 1–4) and role exits (e.g. divorce/job loss, Studies 3 and 4). Across several studies and all role transitions, we found that among individuals who experienced low levels of positive emotions after a role transition, greater self-change predicted reduced self-concept clarity. Among individuals who experienced higher levels of positive emotionality, this association did not emerge. |
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Keywords: | Role transitions self-concept clarity emotions self-change |
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