The significance of possible selves in patients of an early intervention programme for psychotic disorders.

AIMS: To assess the possible importance of patients' perceptions of possible future selves in determining self-esteem and mood.

METHODS

One hundred and two patients of an early intervention programme for psychotic disorders completed measures of perceived positive and negative current and possible future selves, as well as indices of self-esteem and mood.

RESULTS

Measures of current and possible selves generally showed bivariate correlations with self-esteem, depression and anger/hostility. Perceived negative possible self was the most important independent predictor of self-esteem, depression and anger/hostility.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceptions of possible negative future selves may be a particularly important determinant of self-esteem and negative mood states. Addressing fears about possible future self is likely to be an important aspect of recovery from psychotic disorders.