Self‐Pluralism: Assessment and Relations to Adjustment, Life Changes, and Age

Abstract

Individuals differ in the degree to which they see themselves as behaving and feeling similarly or differently in different situations and at different times. This dimension of the self-concept, which is conceived to extend from strong constancy of the self-concept at one extreme to marked variability at the opposite pole, is designated as self-pluralism. An inventory for the assessment of degree of self-pluralism--the Self-Pluralism Scale (SPS)--is presented, and the correlations of this scale with other relevant personality measures are reported. Several studies utilizing the SPS are presented. The results indicate that self-pluralism is negatively related to psychological adjustment, positively related to long-term real-life variability, and negatively related to age.

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“…The results show agreement with Rosenberg's (1979) and Altrocchi and McReynolds' (1997) outcomes and demonstrate that age is negatively related to the degree individuals perceive themselves as being consistent. In line with the literature, sex is not related with self-pluralism (Lester, 2007;McReynolds et al, 2000;Rosenberg, 1979). The findings of a relationship between consumerist beliefs and self-consistency substantiate an argument that fragmented consumption processes may influence multiplicity (Miles, 1998).…”

“…The self-pluralism scale (SPS-10) was developed by McReynolds et al (2000) as a measure of self-perceived variability in self-concept. Self-pluralism is conceptualized as "the degree to which one perceives oneself as typically feeling, behaving, and being different, in different situations, and at different times" (McReynolds et al, 2000, p.349).…”

“…Statements include "People who know me well would say I'm pretty predictable", "I'm the same sort of person regardless of who I'm with", and "I get along best when I act and feel like a totally different person". The SPS-10 was tested on a normative group and displayed evidence for uni-dimensionality, construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability (McReynolds et al, 2000). These reveal internal consistency (α=.90) and strong test-retest qualities (one month retest =.88; ten month retest =.84).…”

“…Important to these ideas are individual differences between subjects and how these relate to the very nature and complexity of one's array of possible selves (Markus & Nurius, 1986). This 'pluralistic renaissance' has led a number of researchers to recognise the existence of pluralism in the 4 'normal' population (Calinescu, 1991;Boone, 1996;McReynolds, Altrocchi, & House, 2000). Individual differences research shows self-pluralism generally decreases with age (Altrocchi & McReynolds, 1997;McReynolds et al, 2000), and is stable across sexes (Lester, 2007;McReynolds et al, 2000;Rosenberg, 1979).…”

“…This 'pluralistic renaissance' has led a number of researchers to recognise the existence of pluralism in the 4 'normal' population (Calinescu, 1991;Boone, 1996;McReynolds, Altrocchi, & House, 2000). Individual differences research shows self-pluralism generally decreases with age (Altrocchi & McReynolds, 1997;McReynolds et al, 2000), and is stable across sexes (Lester, 2007;McReynolds et al, 2000;Rosenberg, 1979). Lester (2007) finds self-monitoring is positively associated with self-pluralism scores, which suggests such individuals are more likely to take their cues from situational and social resources.…”