Positive and Negative Self-Complexity: Patterns of Adjustment Following Traumatic Versus Non-Traumatic Life Experiences

Abstract

The present research extended work on the buffering effects of self-complexity by exploring its implications for long-term adjustment following traumatic life events. Self-complexity for positive and negative self-representations were examined separately. Subjects were classified into two groups ― trauma and no-trauma ― based on their ratings of experienced negative life events. Positive self-complexity was strongly associated with better adjustment post-trauma, whereas it was unrelated to adjustment for those who had not experienced a traumatic life event. Negative self-complexity was associated with poorer adjustment in both groups