Losing a self‐expanding relationship: Implications for the self‐concept

Gary Lewandowski · Arthur P. Aron · Sharon Bassis · JOHNNA KUNAK

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Attachment and Relationship Dynamics Personality Traits and Psychology Identity, Memory, and Therapy

Abstract

Abstract Previous research suggests that new relationships expand the self‐concept. The present research applies concepts from the self‐expansion model to examine the conditions under which relationship dissolution may influence the self‐concept. We hypothesized that the more expansion provided by a relationship predissolution, the greater the contraction of the working self‐concept postdissolution, and that this pattern would remain when controlling for predissolution closeness. These hypotheses were tested using recall of relationship qualities for recently dissolved relationships (Studies 1 and 2), as well as with a priming experiment (Study 3). The findings over the 3 studies supported both hypotheses. Those with higher levels of self‐expansion in predissolution relationships showed more detrimental impact on their working self‐concept postdissolution, even after controlling for predissolution closeness.

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2020Women and Suicidal Behavior 2007Addition through subtraction: Growth following the dissolution of a low quality relationship 2011Approach motivation and the expansion of self in close relationships 2022Self-expansion motivation and inclusion of others in self: An updated review 2019The Psychology of Workplace Mentoring Relationships 2012The power of one: benefits of individual self-expansion

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