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Cited by 1,399Identity, Memory, and TherapyPersonality Traits and PsychologyAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

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Self-complexity as a cognitive buffer against stress-related illness and depression

Linville, Patricia W.·1987·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
DOI 10.1037/0022-3514.52.4.663
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Abstract

This prospective study tested the self-complexity buffering hypothesis that greater self-complexity moderates the adverse impact of stress on depression and illness. This hypothesis follows from a model that assumes self-knowledge is represented in terms of multiple self-aspects. As defined in this model, greater self-complexity involves representing the self in terms of a greater number of cognitive self-aspects and maintaining greater distinctions among self-aspects. Subjects completed measures of stressful events, self-complexity, depression, and illness in two sessions separated by 2 weeks. A multiple regression analysis used depression and illness at Time 2 as outcomes, stressful life events and self-complexity at Time 1 as predictors, and depression and illness at Time 1 as control variables. The Stress X Self-Complexity interaction provided strong support for the buffering hypothesis. Subjects higher in self-complexity were less prone to depression, perceived stress, physical symptoms, and occurrence of the flu and other illnesses following high levels of stressful events. These results suggest that vulnerability to stress-related depression and illness is due, in part, to differences in cognitive representations of the self.

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Metadata

Authors
Linville, P. W.
Affiliations
Yale University (US)
Corresponding author
Linville, Patricia W.
Venue
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
1987
Volume
52
Issue
4
Pages
663-676
ISSN
  • 0022-3514 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-1315
DOI
10.1037/0022-3514.52.4.663
OpenAlex
W2041602752
Cited by
1,399
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 38 · 2025: 38 · 2024: 29 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 64 · 2021: 39 · 2020: 36 · 2019: 40 · 2018: 50 · 2017: 37 · 2016: 41 · 2015: 58 · 2014: 52 · 2013: 58 · 2012: 45
FWCI
19.34
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Mental Health (1 R03 MH 38066-01)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Identity, Memory, and Therapy
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Traits and Psychology
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords
self-complexity, stress buffering, stress-related disorders, self-aspects, self-knowledge, life events, perceived stress, somatic symptoms, influenza
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adjustment Disorders, Adult, Cognition, Female, Humans, Life Change Events, Male, Psychological Tests, Psychophysiologic Disorders, Self Concept, Sick Role, Stress, Psychological

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