To discover or to create: metaphors and the true self

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Two studies were conducted to examine how the metaphors of discovery and creation influence the perceived validity of the true self. It was hypothesized that the metaphor of discovery would bolster the perceived validity of the true self, whereas the metaphor of creation would threaten its validity. It was further suggested that these hypothesized effects on the perceived validity of the true self would, in turn, influence the relationship between true self knowledge and meaning in life. Two experimental studies attempted to directly manipulate the salience of these two metaphors as well as measure participants self discovery and creation beliefs. Conceptually both studies supported the notion that the self-discovery metaphor facilitates the use of the true self as a source of meaning in life. Contrary to hypotheses, however, the creation metaphor did not threaten the perceived validity of the true self or its use as a source of meaning.