Reactions to achievement evaluations depending on the elaboration of the self-view and the motivation to change the self-view

Author(s): Stahlberg, D., Petersen, L. E.

Journal/Book: Z Sozpsychol. 1997; 28: Langgass-Strasse 76, CH-3000 Bern 9, Switzerland. Verlag Hans Huber. 19-29.

Abstract: While various studies about reactions towards feedback have confirmed the self-enhancement theory others are in support of the self-consistency theory. Shrauger (1975) tried to reconcile the controversy between the two theories. Lie postulated that the affective reaction is in line with the self-enhancement theory and the cognitive reaction supports the self-consistency theory. The authors of this paper assume that the elaboration of the real self-view and the motivation to change the real self-view are specific circumstances fora reaction in line with self-enhancement or self-consistency theory. In this study, subjects received positive, consistent or negative feedback on their results in an achievement test Afterwards the affective and cognitive reactions to the feedback were measured. Subjects' affective and cognitive reactions confirmed Shraugers hypotheses. In addition the reaction to feedback was affected by the elaboration of the real self-view and the motivation to change the real self-view. On highly elaborated self-views, reactions were driven more by the self-consistency motive than on low elaborated self-views and on self-views with high motivation, reactions were affected more by the self-enhancement motive than on self-views with low motivation.

Note: Article Dauenheimer D, Univ Mannheim, A5, D-68131 Mannheim, GERMANY

Keyword(s): self-concept; self-enhancement; self-consistency; self-schema; POSSIBLE SELVES; LIFE-SPAN; ESTEEM; VERIFICATION; INFORMATION; PERFORMANCE; PREFERENCES; CERTAINTY; SCHEMATA

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