مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Investigation of the Mediator Role of Self Concept Clarity on The Relationship Between Need for Absolute Truth and Problem Solving and Symptoms of Stress in Men

Abstract :

People try to find absolute knowledge about the concept of self during identity exploration. Individuals have a high propensity to engage in abstract self-analysis that aims at capturing absolute knowledge about the self. The motive for this is defined as “the need for absolute truth” (NAT). NAT refers to one of the highest level representations concerning the self: the truth beyond the self or personal experiences, a truth that is overgeneralized, superordinate and valid in all contexts. If people who have a high need for absolute truth try to have absolute knowledge about themselves, the clarity their self concept decreases. Individuals who have a low self concept clarity have problems in problem solving and exhibit a high level of stress. People who have a higher self concept clarity use healthier coping strategies for problem solving. The purpose of this study is to show the mediator role of the clarity of the self concept on the relationship between the need for absolute truth and problem solving and symptoms of stress in men. The participants in this study were 200 men whose ages varied between 20 and 50. A Demographic Information Form, Self Concept Clarity Scale, Need for Absolute Truth Scale, Stress Self-Assessment Checklist and Problem Solving Inventory were employed. According to the findings from this study, the concept clarity has the mediator role in the relationship between need for absolute truth and problem solving and the symptoms of stress in men.