A Study of Clarity of Self-concept in Relation to Impulsivity and Rigidity in Young Adults

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18411031

Kashish Kashyap and Ranju Lal (Department of Psychology, School of Liberal Education, Galgotias University, Uttar Pradesh)

This study examines the dual role of self-concept clarity (SCC) in shaping behavioral regulation among young adults, investigating its relationships with both impulsivity and psychological rigidity. Grounded in Campbell et al. (1996) conceptualization of SCC as the stability and coherence of self-beliefs, the research addresses a critical gap in understanding how clarity of self-concept simultaneously functions as a protective factor against impulsivity while potentially fostering cognitive inflexibility. Employing a quantitative correlational design, the study surveyed 113 young adults (aged 18-25) using standardized measures: the Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), and Cognitive Flexibility Scale (reverse-scored for rigidity). Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses revealed significant findings: SCC demonstrated a moderate negative relationship with impulsivity (r = -0.476, p<.01), accounting for 23% of variance, while showing a positive association with rigidity (r = 0.405, p<.01), explaining 16% of variance. These results support the hypothesis that SCC serves as a psychological resource for impulse control while potentially limiting behavioral flexibility. The findings contribute to theoretical models of identity development by demonstrating SCC complex dual-function in young adulthood, with important implications for interventions aiming to balance self-concept stability with adaptive flexibility. Methodological limitations and directions for future research are discussed, particularly regarding longitudinal designs and behavioral measures to complement self-report data.