THE DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIPLE ROLE-RELATED SELVES DURING ADOLESCENCE

The organization of the adolescent self-portrait is discussed within a framework that focuses on the construction of multiple self-represent ations across different relational contexts. Contradictions between se lf-attributes in different contexts create conflict, beginning in mida dolescence when cognitive-developmental structures allow one to detect but not reserve opposing attributes. Conflict is greater across roles than within roles. Moreover, for certain roles (e.g., self with mothe r vs. self with father) conflict is higher. Females, particularly thos e with a feminine gender orientation, report greater conflict involvin g attributes in more public contexts. Opposing self-attributes also ra ise concerns for adolescents about which attributes reflect true versu s false self-behaviors. Conflict is more frequent for opposing attribu tes that pit true against false self-characteristics. False self-behav ior is associated with liabilities including devaluation of false self -attributes, low self-esteem, and depressive reactions. Perceived supp ort across relational contexts is highly predictive of favorable evalu ations of attributes, high self-esteem, and true self-behavior within corresponding contexts. Strategies for resolving potential contradicti ons in self-attributes would appear to emerge as one moves into late a dolescence and adulthood, when multiple self-representations are perce ived as both appropriate and desirable, and the individual can achieve some degree of integration through higher level abstractions and the narrative construction of his or her life story.