How do people develop a sense of self? We propose that building the self is much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle: piece by piece, individuals construct a continuous image of who they are, linking their past, present, and future. In this process, a clearly structured sense of self lays the foundation for a stable and enduring identity. However, when conflicts arise in the working self-concept—threatening a person’s sense of clarity—the enduring sense of self becomes vulnerable. In such moments, individuals often turn to their autobiographical memories to resolve inner conflicts and restore a feeling of self-continuity (JPSP, 2020).

Building on this idea, we further suggest that a clear sense of self strengthens global self-continuity, which in turn promotes better self-control at both the individual and societal levels (PSPB, 2023). These findings highlight the importance of cultivating a clear sense of self early in life, such as during adolescence—a step that may have significant long-term consequences for reducing crime, substance abuse, irrational violence, and unhealthy behaviors.