Self-expansion theory proposes that close others are included in the self as a source of self-expansion. Using data from 78 students confronted with relationship breakup, this study examined inclusion of the former partner in the self and its role in breakup-related grief. Inclusion of other in the self (IOS) was assessed using the IOS Scale and a reaction-time task in which participants made “me/not me” decisions for traits that were the same or different for self and ex-partner. The reaction-time task replicated earlier findings that close relationships result in confusion between traits of self and other. Furthermore, findings showed that direct/explicit IOS (tapped with the IOS Scale) but not indirect/implicit IOS (tapped with the reaction-time task) was associated with breakup-related grief.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Paul A. Boelen (2010) studied this question.