Characteristics Related to Centrality of Spiritual Self-Identity

Abstract

In 1994, Pedersen developed a model of centrality of self-identity consisting of four self-identity factors. These factors, found to vary in centrality from person to person, were Spiritual, Personal/Social, Family, and Identifications. The implications of the centrality of Spiritual identity were investigated. It was hypothesized that the centrality of Spiritual identity would differ according to differences in Physical Health, Self-esteem, Neuroticism, and Extraversion. The Who Am I? measure of centrality of self-identity, a semantic differential measure of self-esteem, and the Maudsley Personality Inventory were administered to 134 participants. Groups who scored higher on Physical Health and on Self-esteem and lower on Neuroticism had more central Spiritual self-identity scores. Differences involving Extraversion were not significant.