This paper examines a potential tradeoff between self-expansion (adding new content to the self-concept) and self-concept clarity (having a clear and coherent sense of self). Past research (Emery et al., 2015) has found that people with low self-concept clarity resist self-expanding — is this because self-expansion can harm self-concept clarity? Not only is there no evidence for such a tradeoff, but self-expanding is associated with higher self-concept clarity and well-being among those whose self-concept clarity was initially low. In other words, the people who are most resistant toward self-expansion may be those who would benefit most from it.
Emery, L. F., Hughes, E. K., & Gardner, W. L. (in press). Confusion or clarity? Examining a possible tradeoff between self-expansion and self-concept clarity. Social Psychological and Personality Science.