The meaning and measurement of self-complexity

The self-complexity (SC) theory is a structural model of self-knowledge tha t suggests individual differences in the complexity of knowledge about the self are predictive of emotional stability and reactivity to stress. Variou s studies have identified problems concerning the consistency. reliability and validity of the often used measure of SC, the dimensionality statistic (H; Scott, 1969). Addressing these issues, the present study proposes 2 alt ernative measures of the components of SC and examines psychometric propert ies of these measures. Results of this study indicate a lack of a general f actor underlying the dimensionality statistic. In addition, they offer supp ort for the benefit of distinguishing between 2 components of self-complexi ty: quantity of self-aspects and overlap among them. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.