Lost possible selves: content and connection with psychological well-being

Abstract

This article is intended to cover the major issues of lost possible selves and their relationship with psychological well-being. A brief review of contemporary studies devoted to the phe-nomenon of lost possible selves was made. The results of an empirical study of the content and parameters of lost possible selves and their connection with the components of subjective well-being on a sample of online volunteers are presented. The study involved 42 respondents, and the average age was 27 years. Participants filled in a modified questionnaire for studying Possible Selves phenomenon, filled in the E. Diener Life Satisfaction Scale, S. Lubomirski Scale image of self, the frequency of reference to it and self-acceptance has also been revealed. There is a positive relationship between the significance of lost possible selves and positive relation-ships with others and personal growth; between the ability to realize lost possible selves and personal growth. The results of the study reveal that parameters of lost possible selves — such as significance, actions taken for their realization, frequency of appealing and confidence in the ability to realize them — predict changes of the indicators of the components of psychological well-being. The results also indicate that lost possible selves do not leave people’s lives, but continue to exist, determining the characteristics of their psychological well-being.