Individual Differences Research

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Individual Differences Research > Volume 23 (2025) > e23006

Psychological Boundaries, Coping, and Noctcaelador: Examining a Psychic Structure Model 

William E. Kelly, Don Daughtry

Abstract

Previous research characterizes individuals higher in noctcaelador, a trait-like psychological attachment to the night sky, as more connected with nature, more prone to absorption, and more open to experience. However, the theoretical foundations underlying its development have received limited empirical attention. The present study tested a psychic structure model of noctcaelador proposing that individuals with a permeable self-structure are more likely to engage in night sky watching as way of coping and feeling “whole,” which in turn fosters attachment to the night sky. Participants (N = 162) completed measures of noctcaelador, watching the night sky to cope, and indices of psychic structure, including psychological boundaries, splitting, and ego strength. Results supported the model, indicating that thin psychological boundaries were indirectly associated with noctcaelador through night sky coping. High levels of watching the night sky to cope moderated the relationships of splitting and ego strength with noctcaelador. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Published

December 17, 2025

Keywords

Noctcaelador;

Psychological boundaries;

Psychic structure;

Coping; 

Splitting; 

Ego Strength