Predicting Personal Growth: An Analysis of Self-Relevant Approaches

Author

Cole Morse, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-11-2024

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Grace Rivera

Second Advisor

Kate Kellum

Third Advisor

Joseph Wellman

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Identifying predictors of personal growth–defined as striving to fulfill one’s unique potential–may be important for achieving a life of flourishing (Ryff & Singer, 2008). While existing research demonstrates the link between self-esteem and personal growth, gaps remain in our knowledge of the relationship between other potential self-referential predictors and personal growth (Paradise & Kernis, 2002). The intention of the current study is to not only conceptually replicate the link between positive self-regard (i.e., a positive self-evaluation that is theoretically akin to self-esteem) and personal growth, but to also investigate whether different ways of relating to the self offer unique pathways towards personal growth. We predicted that positive self-regard, unconditional self-regard (i.e., a self-evaluation that remains the same regardless of the circumstances), and self-transcendence (i.e., a sense that one expands past the self and connects to their surroundings) are unique positive predictors of personal growth. We investigated these hypotheses in a correlational study (N=473). We found that positive self-regard was a unique positive predictor of personal growth, while unconditional self-regard was a unique negative predictor. There was no significant relationship between self-transcendence and personal growth. These findings suggest that positive self-evaluations seem to be linked to perceived personal growth, whereas a rigid sense of self may potentially be linked with stagnation rather than development–as it negatively relates to personal growth. The generalizability of our results is limited due to the age and culture of our convenience sample.

Recommended Citation

Morse, Cole, "Predicting Personal Growth: An Analysis of Self-Relevant Approaches" (2024). Honors Theses. 3108.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3108

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