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The Role Of Self-Discrepancies In American Jewish Identities On Mental And Spiritual Well-Being., Jason Goldstein

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Contemporary American Jews individually define their own Jewish identity developed through both religious and cultural foundations (Cohen & Eisen, 2000), yet there is limited empirical research on the experience of Jewish identity and its impact on mental and spiritual well-being. Beyond denominational affiliation, each Jewish individual builds a Jewish identity based on personally desired levels of participation in one’s Jewish community (Ideal Jewish Identity) as well as perceived expectations and obligations of a Jewish life (Ought Jewish Identity), although the internalized desires and expectations may not be fulfilled. Building upon the foundation established by Rogers (1954) and Higgins (1986), the …