When Keeping It Real Goes Right: Examining the Relationship Between Identity Meaning Structure and Well-Being
摘要
In this study, I examine the link between identity meaning structure and individual well-being. I highlight three aspects of identity meaning structure that may be linked to well-being: (1) the overall valence of identities (i.e., the average positivity or negativity of role-identity meanings), (2) between-role discrepancy (i.e., the extent to which role-identities are dissimilar to one another), and (3) self-role discrepancy (i.e., the extent to which role-identity meanings are dissimilar to one’s view of themselves “as they truly are”). Using original data gathered using convenience samples from two separate populations with two different identity sets, I find two clear and consistent ways in which identity meaning structure is associated with well-being: (1) the average evaluation (i.e., goodness/niceness) of identities is significantly associated with positive well-being outcomes, and (2) self-role discrepancy is associated with negative well-being outcomes.