Social psychological study of the structure and the functions of extended self.

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This study aimed to explore the structure and functions of extended self by measuring the cherished possessions. Firstly, our investigation clarified some functions of the cherished possessions in the adaptation process when individuals transit to new environments. The cherished possessions of international students were consisted of books, clothes, passports, and money which relate with utilitarian. Those results suggested that cherished possessions with utilitarian function promoted the adjustment of international students. As for patients in the hospital, the ratio of necessities for the hospital life and things for pleasure was high in the cherished possessions. As for the aged in the aged institution , the ratio of having the cherished possessions was low. Secondly , we developed the materialism scale to measure the individual differences of extended self and confirmed its validity and reliability. Thirdly, we surveyed victims of earthquake and found that extended self was mainly consisted of significant others and loss of extended self influenced upon the positive and the negative sides of quality of life.