Abstract
Two studies investigated whether thinking about the best possible future self might be an individual-difference characteristic. In Study 1325 adults rated themselves on items derived from the Best Possible Self activity and completed measures related to the validity of the proposed characteristic. Exploratory factor analyses suggested a one-factor structure for the proposed characteristic. A measure of the proposed trait of thinking about the future self (TOPS) was created. In Study 1, the scale had an internal consistency of .95. Associations between thinking about the best possible future self with positive affect, optimism and life satisfaction contributed information regarding construct validity. Associations with the Big Five personality dimensions contributed information regarding discriminant validity. In Study 2, 224 adults completed the TOPS scale and a measure of state positive affect. After completing the pre-test measures, participants were randomly assigned to a Best Possible Self activity or a control condition, after which they completed a state-level TOPS measure and again completed the state measure of positive affect. A confirmatory factor analysis showed a marginally acceptable fit to the results of the exploratory factor analysis of Study 1, and in Study 2 both the trait and state TOPS measures showed good internal consistency at .95 and .98 respectively. Compared to participants in the control condition, those in the Best Possible Self exercise condition scored higher on state-level thinking about the possible self and state positive affect. State-level thinking about the possible self mediated the effect of condition on positive affect. The results suggest that the proposed new characteristic of thinking about the best possible future self may be a psychological strength.
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Appendix: Instructions to Respondents for completing the TOPS Scale
Appendix: Instructions to Respondents for completing the TOPS Scale
Most people at times think about themselves in relation to their short term or longer term ideal future. This wished for or ideal self in the future has been called the ‘best possible self’.
When people imagine their ideal future self (best possible self), they can have a variety of thoughts, experience different emotions, and do various things.
Please read each of the items below and using the 7-point scale indicate to what extent each of the items describes what you experienced during the past month.
Does not at all describe my experience 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Describes my experience well.
Note: For the state version of the TOPS scale the phrase ‘during the past month’ was replaced with the phrase ‘just now’.
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Schutte, N.S., Malouff, J.M. Thinking about the best possible self: A unique individual difference characteristic. Curr Psychol 42, 7336–7346 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02043-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02043-5