Self-continuity in Adolescence: A Buffer Against Decreases in Self-esteem Due to Vicitmization

The purpose of this research was to explore how components of self-esteem, such as social, cognitive and physical competence, can explain the buffering effect of self-continuity. Self-continuity explains the associations between individuals themselves in both past and present and perceived sameness, despite growth and development of the self. As self-continuity becomes more complex throughout adolescence, children may find themselves lacking a sense of identity. Previous research shows that negative views of the self may later represent themselves in adulthood. There is evidence that suggests self-continuity protects against the negative effects of peer victimization by providing positive connections between one another. It is still unknown as to how or why self-continuity plays a protective role though. In the current study, we used longitudinal self-report data from a sample of over 300 adolescents from Curitiba, Brazil. Results showed that peer victimization was not significantly correlated with low self-esteem over time. Results showed that self-continuity was positively associated with self-esteem. The study showed that self-continuity did not buffer against the effects of peer victimization on self-esteem. Based on the results, this study revealed the role of self-continuity, and thus self-esteem, is not significant in adolescent development in regards to peer victimization