International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology

Assessing Congruity Between the Actual and Ideal Self: So What’s Involved in Becoming a Whole (Positive) Person?

Edward C. Chang, Ph.D.

University of Michigan

Abstract

The present study examined the correlates and predictors of congruity in the self, defined by one’s perception of relatedness between actual self and idealized self, as measured by the 1-item Congruity in Self Scale (CiSS). In Study 1, the relationship between congruity and the Big Five Personality domains were examined in a sample of 281 adults. Results of conducting a regression analysis indicated that emotional stability, conscientiousness, and extraversion, uniquely predicted greater congruity. Study 2 examined the relationship of congruity with indices of fundamental dimensions of cognition and mood (e.g., optimism, positive affectivity), self-relating thoughts (e.g., meaning in life, inadequate self, reassured self), and personal resilience (grit) in a separate sample of 216 adults. Results of conducting a regression analysis indicated that reassured self and positive affectivity uniquely predicted greater congruity in the self. Overall, the present findings not only point to distinct personality and psychological factors that account for the positive whole person, but they also point to the potential usefulness of the CiSS to assess for congruity in the self.

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