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Variety Of Possible Selves: The Role Of Agency And Empirical Evidence Review

Author

Listed:
  • Milena M. Grishutina

    (National Research University Higher School of Economics)

  • Vasily Yu. Kostenko

    (National Research University Higher School of Economics)

Abstract

The development of possible self theory led to the introduction of new types of construct. However, the types are inconsistent with the original definition by Markus and Nurius (1986). Authors tend not to consider the phenomenon of agency, playing a crucial role in the motivational function of possible self. Thus, now in the literature, we have non-systemized concepts of various types of possible self. The article’s primary aim is to analyze existing types of possible selves through the lens of agentic energy, and to unify the construct’s understanding. We consider most frequent types of possible self, such as hoped-for possible self, feared possible self, best possible self, self-regulatory and self-enhancing possible self, lost possible self, shared possible self, and impossible self. Creating the systematic view is essential for the future of the theory as there are already some misconceptions that come from the liberal interpretation of the originally strong construct. We propose a solution in the form of traditional literature review with the result of definitions reconsidered depending on the role of agentic energy in the process of possible self producing. The expected outcome of the framework is to set a unified direction for further discoveries.

Suggested Citation

  • Milena M. Grishutina & Vasily Yu. Kostenko, 2021. "Variety Of Possible Selves: The Role Of Agency And Empirical Evidence Review," HSE Working papers WP BRP 126/PSY/2021, National Research University Higher School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hig:wpaper:126psy2021
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    File URL: https://wp.hse.ru/data/2021/10/07/1462942028/126PSY2021.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kristin Layous & S. Katherine Nelson & Sonja Lyubomirsky, 2013. "What Is the Optimal Way to Deliver a Positive Activity Intervention? The Case of Writing About One’s Best Possible Selves," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(2), pages 635-654, April.
    2. Paula M Loveday & Geoff P Lovell & Christian M Jones, 2018. "The Best Possible Selves Intervention: A Review of the Literature to Evaluate Efficacy and Guide Future Research," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(2), pages 607-628, February.
    3. Ines Schindler & Cynthia A. Berg & Jorie M. Butler & Katherine T. Fortenberry & Deborah J. Wiebe, 2010. "Late-Midlife and Older Couples' Shared Possible Selves and Psychological Well-being During Times of Illness: The Role of Collaborative Problem Solving," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 65(4), pages 416-424.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    possible self; self-concept; agency; impossible self; personality; self-image; self-identity; self-schema; feared self; personality development;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z00 - Other Special Topics - - General - - - General

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