Abstract
The formation and functioning of close relationships can alter individuals’ self-concepts in such a manner that the self-concepts are cognitively linked with the partner; however, relationship dissolution directly threatens the loss of this intertwined self-concept. In this chapter, we first discuss the degree to which prior relationship-induced self-concept change predicts, and in some cases inoculates against, dissolution. Second, we discuss the extent to which relationship dissolution leads to subsequent self-concept changes within individuals (e.g., loss of self-concept content, increased self-concept confusion), as well as the mechanisms underlying whether these post-dissolution self-concept changes are deemed harmful versus beneficial. Third, we explain how individuals may recover from post-dissolution self-concept changes by seeking to repair or restore the damaged self-concept. Finally, we briefly identify avenues for future research that scholars may consider pursuing.
Keywords
- Dissolution
- Breakup
- Relationship-induced self-concept change
- Self-concept
- Self-expansion
- Self-concept clarity
- Self-concept recovery
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Notes
- 1.
However, individuals believed they were more likely to retain traits that were strongly associated with the partner if acquiring the trait was effortful (vs. less effortful). This is perhaps due to a cognitive dissonance reduction process of effort justification (Aronson & Mills, 1959).
- 2.
In fact, simply imagining dissolution is sufficient to create emotional distress (e.g., Slotter et al., 2014).
- 3.
Though this measure of self-concept size is imperfect, it roughly simulates other validated measures of self-concept size, such as tasks in which participants spontaneously generate responses to the question “Who are you today?” (e.g., Aron et al., 1995), generate traits that they deem to be true of the self (e.g., Slotter et al., 2014), or identify from a large list which traits are indicative of their self-concepts (Mattingly & Lewandowski, 2013a).
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Mattingly, B.A., McIntyre, K.P., Lewandowski, G.W. (2020). Relationship Dissolution and Self-concept Change. In: Mattingly, B., McIntyre, K., Lewandowski, Jr., G. (eds) Interpersonal Relationships and the Self-Concept. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43747-3_9
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