The simple life: on the benefits of low self-complexity

Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2009 Jul;35(7):823-35. doi: 10.1177/0146167209334785. Epub 2009 Apr 29.

Abstract

This article examines the spillover amplification hypothesis, which proposes that because people lower in self-complexity experience stronger responses to life events they will show relatively better well-being in the presence of positive factors (e.g., better social support) and relatively poorer well-being in the presence of negative factors (e.g., a history of negative experiences). Across three studies, support for spillover amplification was found. Specifically, people lower in self-complexity revealed greater self-esteem, less depression, and fewer illnesses when they had greater social support (Study 1) and more desirable personality characteristics (Study 2), yet they had poorer well-being if they had a history of many negative life events (Study 3). Thus, how one's self-concept is represented in memory moderates the relationship between many well-established factors and well-being.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Male
  • Memory*
  • Models, Psychological
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data
  • Personality*
  • Probability
  • Psychometrics
  • Quality of Life
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires