Self-complexity: An assessment of construct validity

We used a standardized data collection method for assessing the complexity of an individual's cognitions about self and other people. To assess the construct validity of self-complexity, 472 college undergraduates were assessed using this method and concurrently assessed for depression, anxiety, social desirability, and positive/negative affectivity. Evidence for the validity of the self-complexity construct was adduced. Self-complexity could be distinguished from complexity of others, positive/negative affectivity, and social desirability in that self-complexity predicted depressive symptomatology independently of the influence of those factors. We discuss methodological issues in the assessment of cognitive structure in light of our findings and those of other investigators.