The relations between health behaviors and self-concept clarity: An experience-sampling study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although health-related behaviors such as sleep, physical activity, and mindful relaxation relate to self-concept, the links between these behaviors and self-concept clarity (SCC) have not been explored. Here, we use experience sampling with an undergraduate sample (N = 155) to investigate how these behaviors predict SCC within persons and between persons and whether their daily links with SCC are moderated by general habits and personality traits. Sleep duration predicted next-day SCC levels, and subjective sleepiness/alertness was linked with SCC at momentary, daily, and between-person levels. Physical activity and mindful relaxation behaviors did not relate to SCC on average, although trait conscientiousness moderated these relationships. No relationships were moderated by self-reported habits. Results suggest that sleep may be especially important for ongoing subjective self-evaluation.