Communication Theory ISSN 1050-3293 ORIGINAL ARTICLE William James on ‘‘Possible Selves’’: Implications for Studying Identity in Communication Contexts Maria Leonora G. Comello Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1339 This article describes ideas about the self suggested by William James and how these conceptualizations can be used in communication research. First, the article summarizes the elements of self according to James and how the ‘‘possible selves’’ could be drawn upon in a persuasive communication context. It is suggested that there are at least two approaches to studying possible selves from an empirical perspective: The accessibility of one self out of a field of many possible selves, and the synthesis of potentially conflicting selves. Further, the article argues that the influence of these selves on behavior and on antecedents to behavior suggests that greater attention should be focused on the study of identity as a mediator of communication effects. However, it is argued that James’s work should also inspire further exploration of the experience of self as that which provides a sense of continuity despite substantively and temporally variable possible selves. This sense of personal identity cannot be interrogated via traditional empirical methods nor within a persuasive communication context, and a greater attunement to this sense of self has potential to enhance communication experiences. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2885.2009.01346.x Neither threats nor pleadings can move a man unless they touch some one of his potential or actual selves. (William James, 1890/1981, p. 297) Thou art mine, and part of the same self with me. (p. 322) William James (1842 – 1910) is widely acknowledged as one of America’s foremost philosophers and psychologists. He was also a writer and communicator of some distinction; it is therefore not surprising that pieces about James often begin with one of his many memorable quotes. I offer the quotes above to honor that tradition and to frame the discussion to follow on James’s perspectives on the self. Although James’s ‘‘potential and actual selves’’ have been studied in the social sciences, they have not yet been summoned in the role suggested by the Corresponding author: Maria Leonora G. Comello; e-mail: comello.1@osu.edu Communication Theory 19 (2009) 337–350 c  2009 International Communication Association 337