Anxiety, Self-Satisfaction and Self-Defining Events: Exploring the Inter-Related Dimensions of the Self

Abstract

ABSTRACT Increasing self-satisfaction could reduce anxiety symptomology; however, strategies to enhance self-satisfaction are relatively unexplored. The primary aim of the present research was to examine the relationship between self-defining events (past and future), self-satisfaction, and anxiety. In total, 155 students (78.1% female, mean age = 20.54, SD = 5.49) were recruited from an English University. Participants were asked to record the content and valence of three self-defining memories and self-defining future-projections. Path analysis showed that past and future valence were positively related to self-satisfaction, which was negatively related to anxiety. Content analysis showed a significant positive relationship between self-satisfaction and the frequency of achievement-orientated past events and recreational future events. In addition, there was a significant negative relationship between self-satisfaction and the frequency of life-threatening past events. Overall, these findings present new avenues for future interventions designed to increase self-satisfaction through targeting the valence of self-defining past and future events. In addition, the findings from the content analysis could facilitate the development of more targeted interventions that for instance, focus on promoting achievement-oriented and recreational experiences while mitigating the impact of life-threatening events. These strategies could prove effective in enhancing self-satisfaction and subsequently reducing anxiety.