Two Sides to Every Self-Process: The Pros and Cons: a Special Issue of Self and Identity

Reflecting the importance of the self in optimal functioning, a vast literature on the value of different self-processes is accumulating. Individual research reports, however, frequently present a one-sided view, focusing either on the benefits or the liabilities of the self-process under study. A more complete understanding of both the benefits and liabilities of a self-process is essential because it profoundly shapes the conclusions of existing research and directions of future research. To that end, this special issue brings together leading researchers to present their unique perspectives on the benefits and liabilities of the self-process they study.

V.S.Y. Kwan, Lowell Gaertner, Two Sides to Every Self-process: The Pros and the Cons. R.F. Baumeister, J.L. Alquist, Is There a Downside to Good Self-control? R.J. North, W.B. Swann, Jr., Self-verification 360º: Revealing the Light and Dark Sides. M.R. Leary, M. Estrada, A. Batts Allen, The Analogue-I and the Analogue-me: The Avatars of the Self. L. Goorin, G.A. Bonanno, Would you Buy a Used Car From a Self-enhancer? Social Benefits and Illusions in Trait Self-enhancement. V.S.Y. Kwan, L. Kang, N.H.H. Hui, Identifying the Sources of Self-esteem: The Mixed Medley of Benevolence, Merit, and Bias. J.L. Tracy, J.T. Cheng, R.W. Robins, K.H. Trzesniewski, Authentic and Hubristic Pride: The Affective Core of Self-esteem and Narcissism. K. Campbell, S.M. Campbell, On the Self-regulatory Dynamics Created by the Peculiar Benefits and Costs of Narcissism: A Contextual Reinforcement Model and Examination of Leadership. J.D. Green, C. Sedikides, B. Pinter, D.R. Van Tongeren, Two Sides to Self-protection: Self-improvement Strivings and Feedback from Close Relationships Eliminate Mnemic Neglect. J. Crocker, M. Olivier, N. Nuer, Self-image Goals and Compassionate Goals: Costs and Benefits. S.S. Dickerson, T.L. Gruenewald, M.E. Kemeny, Psychobiological Responses to Social Self Threat: Functional or Detrimental? M. Burkley, H. Blanton, The Positive (and Negative) Consequences of Endorsing Negative Self-stereotypes. C. Kan, M. Karasawa, S. Kitayama, Minimalist in Style: Self, Identity, and Well-being in Japan.