After validating the Rolefulness Scale, Daiki and Dr. Suzuki created a developmental model to visualize and interpret rolefulness across different psychological stages. They also cross-referenced it with well-known psychological frameworks, such as social learning theory and self-determination theory.
Their model proposes that social rolefulness develops first—through lived experiences, early childhood modeling, and the approval we receive from others. When social rolefulness becomes strong and consistent, it paves the way for the development of internal rolefulness. This sequential development is central to the model.
The quadrant model is structured around two axes:
- The vertical axis represents the degree of social rolefulness.
- The horizontal axis represents the degree of internal rolefulness.
These two axes intersect to form four distinct quadrants, each representing a different developmental state of rolefulness.
The Four Quadrants
1. Integrated Rolefulness
This is the top-right quadrant—where both social and internal rolefulness are high. It represents the most desirable and commonly achieved state. Individuals here have gained substantial social experience and have successfully internalized their sense of role. They enjoy both external recognition and internal confidence.
2. Developing Rolefulness
Located in the top-left quadrant, this category includes individuals with high social rolefulness but low internal rolefulness. They are still in the process of internalizing the value of their roles. While they have sufficient social engagement, they haven’t yet fully transformed those experiences into inner confidence or identity.
3. Immature Rolefulness
The bottom-left quadrant represents individuals with low social and low internal rolefulness. These individuals may have had limited social experiences and have not yet developed a strong sense of role identity. It’s a stage of potential, but also one marked by vulnerability.
4. Groundless Rolefulness
The bottom-right quadrant describes those with high internal rolefulness but low social rolefulness. This structure contradicts our theoretical assumption that internal rolefulness arises from social experience. Because of this disconnect, individuals in this group may experience psychological instability. They may feel confident in their self-perception, but lack the social grounding or validation to support that identity.
This group is of particular interest in their research, as they believe it represents a form of unanchored identity—where internal self-assurance lacks external reinforcement, leaving individuals vulnerable to stress, rejection, or disillusionment.
Rolefulness, Identity, and Mental Health
Their model also connects rolefulness with identity and self-esteem. They hypothesize that as rolefulness develops—from immature to developing to integrated—both identity clarity and self-esteem increase. Individuals in these quadrants tend to demonstrate stronger psychological resilience and life satisfaction.
By contrast, the groundless quadrant, where social rolefulness is lacking, is associated with lower self-esteem and a more fragile sense of identity.
Another important consideration is mental health. Based on their theory, they predict that depressive symptoms are most likely to be found in the immature and groundless quadrants. In contrast, these symptoms are expected to decrease progressively in the developing and integrated groups.
Where Do You Find Yourself in the Rolefulness Quadrant Model?
Understanding where you currently stand in the Rolefulness Quadrant Model can provide valuable insights into your sense of role satisfaction, identity, and overall well-being. Depending on which quadrant you identify with, you can take specific steps to enhance your personal development and achieve a more balanced and fulfilling sense of rolefulness.
If you are immature, then…
You may feel disconnected from both social and internal rolefulness. This lack of role development could stem from insufficient social experiences and a lack of internalized roles. You might struggle to find purpose in your relationships or social environments, and your sense of self may feel underdeveloped. Building stronger social connections and seeking new opportunities to engage with others can help you move toward greater role satisfaction.
If you are groundless, then…
You may have a high sense of internal rolefulness but lack the social experiences necessary to support it. While you may feel confident in your individuality and identity, the absence of meaningful social roles can leave you feeling isolated or insecure. To enhance your well-being, it’s important to focus on strengthening your social rolefulness by participating in social activities and gaining approval from others in a healthy way. This can help solidify your internal rolefulness and prevent psychological vulnerability.
If you are developing, then…
You are in the process of cultivating your rolefulness. You likely have strong social experiences, but your internal rolefulness may not yet be fully developed. While you feel connected to your social roles, you may still be working on internalizing those experiences to build greater self-confidence and identity. The key for you is to focus on deepening your introspection and gaining personal insights, which will help you integrate your social rolefulness into a stronger internal foundation.
If you are integrated, then…
You have achieved a balance between social and internal rolefulness. You feel fulfilled in your social roles, and you’ve successfully internalized those experiences, which has strengthened your sense of identity and self-esteem. As an integrated individual, you are able to navigate different roles with ease, maintaining a sense of satisfaction and confidence in both your relationships and your inner self. This is the ideal state of rolefulness, where both external and internal roles are in harmony.
You will feel fully integrated when you experience ibasho, a Japanese concept of belonging and acceptance, which we will explore in the next post.