title: Compartmentalization and integration: the evaluative organization of contextualized selves.
abstract: This article reviews research on the evaluative organization (compartmentalized or integrative) of contextualized selves. Evaluatively compartmentalized self-structures consist of multiple selves, each of which is either mostly positive or mostly negative. Evaluatively integrative self-structures represent each self with a mixture of positive and negative attributes. These different styles of organizing self-knowledge have been linked to current mood and self-esteem. More recently, studies of evaluative organization have examined self-esteem stability, coping styles (e.g., self-enhancement or resilience), change in self-organization, as well as psychopathology and psychological treatment. Findings suggest that compartmentalized self-structures, typically associated with the highest levels of self-esteem, may be vulnerable to instability. In contrast, the more moderate self-views of individuals with integrative self-structures may offer greater stability, increased resilience, and a means of coping with extreme stress.
authors.affiliation: University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA. cshowers@ou.edu
authors.forename: Carolin J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Showers
authors.forename: Virgil
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zeigler-Hill
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect; D004532:Ego; D006801:Humans; D007062:Identification, Psychological; D007206:Individuality; D007389:Internal-External Control; D010551:Personality; D010553:Personality Development; D012649:Self Concept