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Specific and individuated death reflection fosters identity integration

Blackie, Laura E.R.; Cozzolino, Philip, J.; Sedikides, Constantine

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Authors

Philip, J. Cozzolino

Constantine Sedikides



Abstract

Identity integration is the process wherein a person assimilates multiple or conflicting identities (e.g., beliefs, values, needs) into a coherent, unified self-concept. Three experiments examined whether contemplating mortality in a specific and individuated manner (i.e., via the death reflection manipulation) facilitated outcomes indicative of identity integration. Participants in the death reflection condition (vs. control conditions) considered positive and negative life experiences as equally important in shaping their current identity (Experiment 1), regarded self-serving values and other-serving values as equally important life principles (Experiment 2), and were equally motivated to pursue growth-oriented and security-oriented needs (Experiment 3). Death reflection motivates individuals to integrate conflicting aspects of their identity into a coherent self-concept. Given that identity integration is associated with higher well-being, the findings have implications for understanding the psychological benefits of existential contemplation.

Citation

Blackie, L. E., Cozzolino, P. J., & Sedikides, C. (2016). Specific and individuated death reflection fosters identity integration. PLoS ONE, 11(5), e0154873. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0154873

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 25, 2016
Online Publication Date May 6, 2016
Publication Date May 6, 2016
Deposit Date Aug 2, 2017
Publicly Available Date Aug 2, 2017
Journal PLoS ONE
Electronic ISSN 1932-6203
Publisher Public Library of Science
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 11
Issue 5
Article Number e0154873
Pages e0154873
DOI https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0154873
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/791069
Publisher URL http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0154873
Contract Date Aug 2, 2017

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