Table 2.

Summary of the coding scheme for the I-self and me-self questions of the self-persistence interview.

Score	I-self persistence subscale	Me-self persistence subscale
1. Fundamental change	Indicates a perception of fundamental change in the core self (e.g., “The person I used to be is no longer there”)	Indicates a perception of fundamental change in one's attributes (e.g., “I have changed in so many since I was young – personality, the way I look and act, the people I associate with”)
2. Some change	Indicates a perception of some change in the core self or uncertainty about core continuity (e.g., “Not exactly the same person…You're different but the same—it's hard to explain”)	Indicates a perception of some change in attributes (e.g., “In my intellectual interests I'm pretty much the same; but I've changed in appearance.”)
3. No change	Indicates a firm perception of continuity in the core self (e.g., “I feel my essence has always been the same.”)	Indicates a firm perception of stability in attributes. (e.g., “I've always been calm, composed…independent. I'm just the same now.”)

Coding scheme adapted from Troll and Skaff (1997).