Reactions to self-relevant information: The integrative self-schema model

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

Journal/Book: Z Sozpsychol. 1996; 27: Langgass-Strasse 76, CH-3000 Bern 9, Switzerland. Verlag Hans Huber. 126-136.

Abstract: This study investigated how the self-concept affects reactions to self-relevant information. Subjects received fictitious feedback on six different personality dimensions. These feedbacks were either consistent with self-perceptions, more positive than expected (closer to the ideal self) or more negative than expected (feedback: self-consistent vs. positive vs, negative) and addressed schematic or aschematic personality dimensions (elaboration of self-schema: schematic vs. aschematic). Affective reactions (satisfaction) and cognitive reactions (evaluations of test validity) towards these feedbacks were analysed as dependent variables. in the past, research in this area has been based either on motivational theories or theories of social cognition. From a motivational perspective motives of self-esteem enhancement or self-consistency are expected to control reactions to self-relevant feedback. On the other hand, theories in the field of social cognition assume that the elaboration of self-schemata is the most important determiner of such reactions, A new theoretical approach formulated by the authors of this paper, - the Integrative Self-Schema Model (ISSM)- postulates an interaction between motivational and cognitive processes: On schematic dimensions it is predicted that the motive of self-consistency controls affective and cognitive reactions, thus implying thy most positive reactions actions towards self-consistent feedback, However, on aschematic dimensions the motive for self-esteem enhancement is expected to dominate, thus leading to the most positive reactions towards positive feedback. The experimental results largely confirmed the hypotheses derived from the ISSM.

Note: Article D Stahlberg, Univ Mannheim, Lehrstuhl Sozialpsychol, A5, D-68131 Mannheim, Germany

Keyword(s): self-concept; self-schema; self-enhancement; self-verification; social cognition; KNOWLEDGE; FEEDBACK; ESTEEM

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