When the Going Gets Tough, Do the Tough Really Get Going? Identity Reconsideration in the Face of Activity Participation Threat

Abstract

ABSTRACT Eudaimonic identity theory (EIT) suggests that engaging in activities aligned with personal beliefs, goals, and values fosters flourishing. EIT posits that the subjective experience of eudaimonia, termed personal expressiveness (PE), guides optimal identity-related choices. Two studies of U.S. adults, employing correlational and experimental designs respectively, examined links between feelings of personal expressiveness and identity. Study 1 (N = 78) explored the relationships between feelings of personal expressiveness and identity-related constructs, identity commitment, identity reconsideration, and passion. Study 2 (N = 270) aimed to investigate the impact on identity reconsideration when participation in these types of activities is threatened and if psychological flexibility acts as a buffer in the face of participation threat. Study 1 found that personal expressiveness was positively associated with identity commitment and both harmonious and obsessive passion and unrelated to identity reconsideration. Study 2 replicated the relationships between personal expressiveness and identity commitment and reconsideration found in Study 1. However no moderating effect of severity of threat to participation or psychological flexibility was found. Results revealed a consistent and robust effect of high threat on reconsideration when compared to low threat. Theoretical and practical implications of these results, as well as opportunities for future research are discussed.