title: Temporal Stability and Authenticity of Self-Representations in Adulthood.
abstract: The temporal stability of role-specific self-representations was examined in a sample of 188 young, middle-aged, and older adults. Considerable stability was observed for all self-representations. Central self-descriptors showed significantly greater temporal stability than peripheral self-descriptors. Temporal stability of self-representations was positively associated with self-concept clarity, self-esteem, and positive affect (PA). Age differences were obtained for three of the five self-representations, with older adults showing significantly lower stabilities for self with family, self with friend, and self with significant other compared to young and middle-aged adults. Assessment of the authenticity of adults' role-specific self-representations showed that greater authenticity tended to be associated with greater temporal stability. Authenticity and the number of positive daily events were significant positive predictors of the stability of self-representations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Diehl
authors.forename: Laurie M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Catherine T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Hastings