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

Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2017, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (6): 1012-1024.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1042.2017.01012

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 Self-uncertainty: Concepts, structures, and theories

 YANG Qing1; BI Chongzeng1; LI Lin2; HUANG Xiting1   

  1.  (1 School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China) (2 Institute of Applied Psychology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China)
  • Received:2016-08-25 Online:2017-06-15
  • Contact: HUANG Xiting, E-mail: xthuang@swu.edu.cn E-mail: E-mail: xthuang@swu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
     

Abstract:  Self-uncertainty, which is induced by confusion/suspicion of important regarding one’s psychological characteristics, is defined as a feeling of inconsistency and discontinuity, when contradictions or conflicts arise among one’s cognitions, experiences, and behaviors. This article summarizes the literature on self-uncertainty and proposes a conceptual model, suggesting that its structure is composed of three dimensions: cognitive, affective and motivational. This article then introduces and integrates related theories and models in terms of uncertainty management. Future research should a) clearly define the concept of self-uncertainty and focus on the cultural difference factor; b) test different uncertainty management strategies with multiple perspectives; c) explore the mechanisms of self-uncertainty inducement and management; and d) explore how best to instruct people to take precautions against self-uncertainty and its management, instead of passively accepting the experience.

Key words:  self-uncertainty, self, meaning-making, self-actualization, cultural worldview defense

CLC Number: