The Routledge Handbook of the Uncertain Self

The second edition of this handbook explores the social, cognitive, motivational, interpersonal, clinical, and applied aspects of personal uncertainty. It showcases both the diversity and the unity that defines contemporary perspectives on uncertainty in self within social and personality psychology.

Featuring chapters written by distinguished scholars from a range of disciplines in psychology, the book explores the similarities and differences between personal uncertainty and other psychological experiences in terms of their nature and relationship with human thought, emotion, motivation, and behavior. It takes an interactionist perspective to examine what social and personality psychology knows about the experience of self-uncertainty in its various forms, exploring its determinants and consequences within and across individuals and groups. The new edition has been extensively revised and updated and includes new material on self-uncertainty within intimate relationships, in groups, and within spiritual and educational contexts. There is also new content on conspiratorial thinking as well as on the uncertain self within the broader context of uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout, strategies specifically designed to assist others in confronting the unique challenges posed by self-uncertainty in ways that emphasize healthy psychological functioning and growth are promoted.

Featuring cutting-edge theory and research on the determinants, experiences, and consequences of uncertainty in the self, the handbook is an invaluable resource for researchers, practitioners, and senior undergraduate and graduate students in social and personality psychology, clinical and counseling psychology, educational psychology, and developmental psychology.

''In an era in which misinformation and ?alternative facts? abound, it is difficult to know what to believe anymore. The resulting uncertainty has seeped into all corners of human consciousness, including the self. The second edition of the Handbook of the Uncertain Self brings together a distinguished group of scientists who grapple with the key issues within this domain. Their insights crystalize what is known and lay out the agenda for future work on this topic, making this volume essential reading for anyone interested in this topic.''

William Swann, Professor of Psychology, University of Texas, Austin

''Uncertainty is the ubiquitous feature of the fast-changing world we live in. It is about the only thing one can be certain about.  This important volume illuminates the varied ways in which uncertainty affects people?s lives for good or ill, and offers useful insights about coping with uncertainty's inevitable reality.''

Arie Kruglanski, Distinguished University Professor of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park

''The book takes on a major challenge of our time?uncertainty about who we are and who we want to be in a rapidly changing world.  A stellar lineup of authors take on this challenge through a wide range of lenses, including cognitive, intergroup, and relationship processes.  For those who want to understand self-doubt and self-uncertainty, this book is a must read.''

Jennifer Crocker, Emeritus Professor and Ohio Eminent Scholar in Psychology, The Ohio State University