The organization of the adolescent self-portrait is discussed within a framework that focuses
on the construction of multiple self-representations across different relational contexts.
Contradictions between self-attributes in different contexts create conflict, beginning in
midadolescence when cognitive-developmental structures allow one to detect but not resolve
opposing attributes. Conflict is greater across roles than within roles. Moreover, for certain roles
(e.g., self with mother vs. self with father) conflict is higher. Females, particularly those with a
feminine gender orientation, report greater conflict involving attributes in more public contexts.
Opposing self-attributes also raise concerns for adolescents about which attributes reflect true
versus false self-behaviors. Conflict is more frequent for opposing attributes that pit true against
false self-characteristics. False self-behavior is associated with liabilities including devaluation of
false self-attributes, low self-esteem, and depressive reactions. Perceived support across
relational contexts is highly predictive of favorable evaluations of attributes, high self-esteem,
and true self-behavior within corresponding contexts. Strategies for resolving potential
contradictions in self-attributes would appear to emerge as one moves into late adolescence and
adulthood, when multiple self-representations are perceived as both appropriate and desirable,
and the individual can achieve some degree of integration through higher level abstractions and
the narrative construction of his or her life story.