Map your self-complexity

When I was working in innovation consulting in Berlin one aspect was enabling digital transformations in large organisations. It could be a difficult and sensitive process as these transitions might involve the adoption of technologies that would automate tasks that were the core of people’s jobs.

However, the goal wasn’t simply to fast-track technology adoption. More so it was to assist teams to map out transformations for themselves from their current roles to modified or alternate pathways, and how this transition might fit in the organisation or be supported.

Although process automation and restructuring would enable greater efficiencies and cost savings for the businesses, for the workers no longer needed to perform tasks or roles, this could be a major disruption to their identities. It might call to question their sense of purpose, everyday satisfaction and livelihoods.

Proactively identifying and cultivating the aspects of our identity central to our wellbeing builds resilience for the inevitable march of change. Sooner or later we all need to move on –by choice or otherwise– from the things we currently spend most of our time.

Tina

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Self-complexity

Self-complexity reflects how many different distinct roles and identities we see in ourselves. Higher self-complexity can strengthen resilience.

Psychologist Patricia Linville introduced the concept of self-complexity in 1985, proposing that people differ in how they cognitively organise information about themselves. Someone with low self-complexity might see themselves primarily through one lens (e.g. "I am a professional"), while someone with high self-complexity maintains multiple distinct self-aspects (e.g. professional, parent, artist, volunteer, friend).

Linville found that people with greater self-complexity were more resilient to negative events and less prone to depression and stress-related illness (Linville 1987). When facing failure or setbacks in one domain, they could maintain positive self-evaluations by drawing on other aspects of their identity.

Linville's research included multiple empirical studies that demonstrated the protective effects of self-complexity. In one key study, participants with higher self-complexity showed more stable emotions and self-appraisals over a two-week period, experiencing less severe mood swings and maintaining more balanced self-evaluations despite daily ups and downs (Linville 1985).

Self-complexity can provide a support network, where each role or identity provides its own unique source of meaning and fulfilment. When one area of life becomes challenging or unfulfilling, we can draw strength and satisfaction from our other roles.

Subsequent research has both supported and refined Linville's findings. While greater self-complexity can provide protection against stress, the relationship is nuanced. The effectiveness of multiple self-aspects depends on whether they are predominantly positive or negative and how they are integrated into one's overall sense of self (McConnell et al., 2009).

A meta-analysis by Rafaeli-Mor and Steinberg (2002) found that having multiple self-aspects can be protective but emphasised that the quality of these different roles and identities –not just their quantity– is crucial.

 

Self-complexity mapping 

Self-complexity mapping can indicate the importance of self-aspects and their vulnerability or potential resilience.

 

 

Get it done

1. List your self-aspects
Write down all the different roles, relationships, activities and contexts that make up your identity. Include both formal roles (e.g., occupation) and informal ones (e.g., hobby). Consider past, present and aspirational identities.

2. Represent self-aspects
For each role or identity listed note the key traits and characteristics you associate with it. What do you achieve or value about that role? You can represent the importance of the traits by placing a larger container around those that are most important to you.

3. Analyse connections
Consider the values and goals tied to each role. Draw lines between self-aspects and traits or activities. Look for aspects that are completely distinct. Note which aspects currently get most of your time and energy.

4. Assess balance
Are some aspects dominating while others are neglected? If one role becomes untenable, are the relevant values linked to other self-aspects? Are there completely new aspects you'd like to develop?

5. Take action
Schedule time for underdeveloped aspects you want to strengthen. If it’s a goal, look for opportunities to develop new roles and identities. Be mindful of maintaining boundaries between different aspects. Draw consciously on other aspects when facing setbacks in one area.

Simply being aware of our multiple self-aspects and how they support different values or goals can help us leverage them more effectively for psychological resilience. Regular reflection on and tending to our various roles helps maintain their distinctiveness and protective benefits.

 

References

Linville, P. W. 1985. Self-complexity and affective extremity: Don't put all of your eggs in one cognitive basket. Social Cognition. 3: 94–120.

Linville, P. W. 1987. Self-complexity as a cognitive buffer against stress-related illness and depression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 52(4): 663–676.

McConnell, A. R., Strain, L. M., Brown, C. M., & Rydell, R. J. 2009. The simple life: On the benefits of low self-complexity. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 35(7): 823–835.

Rafaeli-Mor, E., & Steinberg, J. 2002. Self-complexity and well-being: A review and research synthesis. Personality and Social Psychology Review. 6(1): 31–58.