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We present three studies aimed to identify the adaptive properties of self-concept and to develop a brief questionnaire to measure them. In the first study, we identified five basic facets of adaptive self-concept (ASC): clarity, non-ruminative self-awareness, self-distance, openness to self-relevant information, and modifiability of the self-concept. The second study confirmed the five-factor structure of the ASC. In the third study, we tested relationships between ASC's facets and hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well-being, self-regulation and emotional regulation. We also tested the dependence of the ASC on personality traits. The results showed that ASC features are strongly related to optimal functioning in its various manifestations. ASC's facets are also moderately dependent on personality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

background: Positive orientation (PO) is a hidden variable explaining a tendency to formulate global evaluations regarding one's self, life and the future. It is inherited to a large degree and it could be considered a common base for numerous aspects of subjective well-being. The self-concept, in turn, is a basic adaptation formed during individual experiences that is responsible for adjustment. The primary aim of the current study was to verify hypotheses about the significant relationship between PO and a "core self" (high self-concept clarity, low self-esteem contingency, low self-rumination), as well as the meditational role of the "core self" in the relation between PO and hedonic balance. participants and procedure: A group of 200 participants completed several measures referring to PO, self-concept and emotions. results: The canonical correlation analysis revealed PO to be a strong predictor of the adaptive features of the self-concept. Moreover, the tested models suggest that (1) self-concept clarity is a significant mediator between PO and hedonic balance, and (2) PO directly predicts only self-concept clarity, whereas its relations with self-esteem contingency and rumination are mediated by the self-knowledge structure. conclusions: These findings indicate that PO is an important and independent factor enhancing adaptive features of the self-concept structure as well as well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]