Complexity of Self-Representation as a Cognitive Buffer Against Depression and Affective Responses Following Life Events

Abstract

Linville (1985, 1987) defined complexity of self-representation (self-complexity) in terms of the number of aspects used in cognitively organizing knowledge about the self and the degree of relatedness of these aspects. Using the H statistic as an index for self-complexity, she asserted that high self-complexity would buffer the pathogenic influence of life stress. The present article examines the buffering effect of selfcomplexity. In study 1, those who scored higher on the Beck Depression Inventory were significantly lower on positive self-complexity than low-scorers, as proposed by Woolfolk, Novalany, Gara, Allen, & Polino (1995). But no significant difference was found on negative self-complexity. In study 2, those higher in positive self-complexity experienced significantly lower negative affect following negative life events. These results suggest that high positive self-complexity may function as a buffer against depression and extremely negative affect. A possible relationship between positive self-complexity and the buffering effect was discussed from the point of view of the organization of self-representation and the accessibility of positive knowledge about the self.