There is no time like the future: a systematic literature review of possible selves theory

Abstract

Background: To systematically review studies conducted based on Possible Selves (PS) theory (Markus & Nurius, 1986). Main research questions were: 1. How are PS conceptualized? 2. How are PS operationalized? 3. To what extent are PS related to emotional, behavioral, health and well-being outcomes? 4. How are PS used in intervention studies? 5. What are the effects of PS interventions? and 6. Which factors may mediate or moderate relationships between PS and outcomes/effects? Methods: Online literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, Psychinfo and Pubmed. Selected full-text articles were read and organized according to the RQs. Findings: Exactly 1000 abstracts were retrieved based on the search term. PS were operationalized in many ways, depending on the larger (additional) theoretical framework applied, e.g., social identity theory or self-discrepancy theory. The methods assessing PS could be categorized as: 1. surveys; 2. interviews; 3. written narratives; 4. visual/image-based PS. The relationship between PS and outcomes varied across studies, again influenced by the broader theoretical framework, and by the research design applied. Interventions using PS included writing tasks and/ or imagination, avatars (e.g. age morphing), narratives and group sessions. The effects of these interventions varied across studies, and were moderated by personality characteristics such as future time perspective or self-regulatory focus. Discussion: PS theory has instigated a large amount of research. Interventions based on the theory hold a high potential to have an enduring effect on behavioral change.