ISSN 1671-3710
CN 11-4766/R
主办:中国科学院心理研究所
出版:科学出版社

›› 2010, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (10): 1548-1553.

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Possible Selves: Related Research and Applications

YANG Xue;GONG Huo-Liang   

  1. (1 Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong)
    (2 School of Education Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China)
  • Received:2009-07-13 Revised:1900-01-01 Online:2010-10-15 Published:2010-10-15
  • Contact: GONG Huo-Liang

Abstract: Possible Selves are ideas about what one might become in the future. These future selves include hoped for selves, expected selves and feared selves. Possible Selves not only can stimulate and predict people’s behavior, but also can adjust and guide the behavior of individuals to help them make the appropriate decisions and achieve their desired selves. In recent years, the studies of possible selves have attracted a lot of attention. Possible selves and the related research fields, including identity, age, gender, culture and motivation have been closely examined. The theory is used in various fields, such as career counseling services, teaching, behavior management, sports and psychotherapy. It can promote the development of personality and social progress in all sectors.

Key words: possible selves, hoped-for selves, feared selves, expected selves