Motivational Aspects of Possible Selves: Research Within Theory of Self-Determination and Existential Approach

The motivational aspect of the Possible Self determines a significant academic interest in the study of the realization of personality potential. Previously, the self-concept research paid attention to the descriptive function of the possible self only, missing its significant role in personality self-regulation, which is affirmed by the phenomenon of agency inherent in the construct. This work aims to study the relationship of Possible Selves and the motivational characteristics of personality, expressed in the form of types of motivation and existential motivations. The data based on the sample of 156 respondents showed that externally-oriented motivation, a low degree of agency, and a vivid manifestation of non-constructive forms of self-reflection were associated with experiencing great doubts about the realization of one's Possible Self. The stronger the personality intention to achieve the significant Possible Selves (and also the higher indicators of the Existence Scale, which most closely meet the criteria of agency), the more feeling of efficacy was experienced regarding the Possible Self. Within this framework, the new technique was created and psychometrically tested. The Impossible Self Scale aims to diagnose the agentless attitude towards the achievement of significant Possible Self.