The Role of the Self in Behavioral Change

Abstract

Behavioral change is a complex and difficult process that is commonly marked by unactualized intentions, false starts, and relapse. Building on the cognitive approach to the study of the self, this paper presents the argument that resistance to change is an automatic, natural, and expected consequence of the information processing and affect regulation processes that comprise the self-concept. Behavioral change is conceptualized as a three-phase process and the structural and functional properties of the self-schemas, possible selves, and total self-concept that impede progress at each phase are explored. Finally, the research and clinical implications of positioning the self-concept at the crux of behavioral change are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)