Self-immunization: Evidence of automatic self-stabilizing concept adaptation

Author(s): Greve, W.

Journal/Book: Z Sozpsychol. 1996; 27: Langgass-Strasse 76, CH-3000 Bern 9, Switzerland. Verlag Hans Huber. 207-223.

Abstract: Processes of sell-immunization as a reaction to self-discrepant feedback were investigated. Immunization refers to adapting individual ''operationaliziations'' of self-relevant dispositions, emphasizing perceived own competencies and disregarding perceived weaknesses. A fictitious intelligence test was administered, consisting of a set of heterogeneous modules. Subjects (N=71) received manipulated test results that were positive for some modules and negative for others. A semantic priming paradigm was used to assess the immunization process in a non-reactive way. Accordingly, as a last module of the intelligence test, subjects worked through a lexical decision task. Reaction times for words associated with positive modules were faster than reaction times for words associated with negative modules when the prime was the word ''intelligence''. These results were interpreted as indicating automatic self-stabilizing processes of concept adaptation.

Note: Review D Wentura, Univ Munster, Psychol Inst 4, Fliednerstr 21, D-48149 Munster, Germany

Keyword(s): self concept; adjustment; semantic priming; SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE; STIMULUS-ONSET ASYNCHRONY; PRIMED-LEXICAL DECISION; RELEVANT INFORMATION; WORD RECOGNITION; SPREADING ACTIVATION; SEMANTIC ACTIVATION; ITEM RECOGNITION; SERVING BIAS; OLD-AGE

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