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Crystallization of Desire and Crystallization of Discontent in Narratives of Life‐Changing Decisions
Author(s) -
Bauer Jack J.,
McAdams Dan P.,
Sakaeda April R.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of personality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.082
H-Index - 144
eISSN - 1467-6494
pISSN - 0022-3506
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2005.00346.x
Subject(s) - neuroticism , personality , psychology , narrative , social psychology , big five personality traits , relation (database) , developmental psychology , philosophy , linguistics , database , computer science
Two studies of adults examined personal narratives of life‐changing decisions in relation to personality and well‐being. Participants whose decision narratives emphasized a crystallization of desire (i.e., approaching a desired future) rather than a crystallization of discontent (i.e., escaping an undesired past; Baumeister, 1991, 1994) reported higher well‐being, fewer avoidance strivings, lower Neuroticism (in Study 1 only), and better decision outcomes (in Study 2). However, neither strivings, traits, nor outcomes accounted for the relationship between crystallization of desire and well‐being. The discussion considers the roles of life‐changing decisions and personal narratives in research on personality, well‐being, and positive personal development.