Lost possible selves as the presence of the past in the present

Lost possible selves are a relatively new concept developed within the framework of Pos- sible Selves proposed by H. Markus and P. Nurius. were studied in young adults aged 20 to 42 (N = 59). The purpose was clarify content “Lost Possible Selves”, as well describe forms their representation connection with cognitive strategies for constructing identity. We used method based on methodology K. Hooker, questionnaire identity styles M. Berzonsky (ISI-5), assessing five-year intervals A. Kronik, E. I. Golovakha. conven- tional nature concerned main tasks early adulthood: primarily areas career, relationships education. neutral or pessimistic tone, descriptive, less often narrative. Three types temporal orientation lost have been identified: focus present; returning “good” past changing “bad” past; timeless orientation. frequency appealing self is related neither ability its realization nor probability realization, but it connected emotional attitude (regret, difficulty refusal, importance). tone story about associated normative construction style: more respondents adhered socially desirable norms, family traditions, neutrally they described selves. People style people who feel saturated confident that future could realize self. self, therefore, has largest number rela- tionships compared other characteristics.