Work on self and identity has a special place in the study of human nature, as self-concerns are arguably at the center of individuals' striving for well-being and for making sense of one's life. Life goals develop and are influenced by one's view of what one is like, the way one would ideally like to be (or would like to avoid being), as well as one's perceptions of what is feasible. Furthermore, conceptions of self and the world affect how one's progress towards these goals is monitored, evaluated, redirected, re-evaluated, and pursued again. Thus, the “self” as a construct has far-reaching implications for behavior, self-esteem, motivation, experience of emotions and the world more broadly, and hence for interpersonal relationships, society, and culture.

Self and Identity is devoted to the study of these social and psychological processes of the self, including both its agentic aspects, as well as the perceived and construed aspects as reflected in its mental representations. The Journal aims to bring together work on self and identity undertaken by researchers across different subdisciplines within psychology (e.g., social, personality, clinical, development, cognitive), as well as across other social and behavioral disciplines (e.g., sociology, family studies, anthropology, neuroscience). Special emphasis is placed on theories and research that are generative in opening new terrain for future investigation. A second continual motivating goal of the journal, will be work that offers integration at the level of basic processes. The Journal publishes empirical articles of all lengths, and occasional theoretical pieces.

Peer Review Integrity
All published research articles in this journal have undergone rigorous peer review, based on initial editor screening and refereeing by independent expert referees.

Browse books in: Gender Identity, Personality, Prejudice or Self and Social Identity.
View forthcoming conferences in: Social Psychology.

SPECIAL ISSUES

The following special issues have been published in this journal; a paperback version is sent free to subscribers, and a hardback version can be purchased separately as a book.

• Two Sides to Every Self-Process: The Pros and Cons
  Guest Editors: Virginia S. Y. Kwan and Lowell Gaertner

  Volume 8, Issues 2 and 3 (April - September 2009) Hardback ISBN: 978-1-84872-703-8
• The Implicit Self
  Guest editors: Laurie A. Rudman and Steven J. Spencer
  Volume 6, Issues 2-3 (April 2007) Hardback ISBN 978-1-84169-826-7