As a means of fostering communication among its members, the International Society for Self and Identity (ISSI) maintains an on-line listing of unpublished papers regarding self, identity, and related topics. The purpose of this listing is to disseminate information regarding theory and research that has not yet been published, thereby providing for the timely communication of new ideas and findings prior to journal publication and providing an outlet for otherwise unpublished conference papers.
New abstracts are posted as they are received. Researchers
interested in self and identity are encouraged to submit abstracts. For information about how to do so, click here.
For easier viewing, the abstracts are classified into nine general topic areas:
Abstract. While past research has mainly focused on the effects and consequences of self-awareness, a more basic issue pertaining to the specific mechanisms underlying self-attention has been neglected. In this article I present a model of self-awareness that proposes the existence of three sources of self-information. The social milieu includes self-relevant feedback (reflected appraisals), a social comparison mechanism leading to perspective taking, and the presence of other persons observing the self. The physical environment contains self-focusing/reflecting stimuli such as mirrors and video cameras. The self can reflect upon itself with double sensory stimulation, imagery, and inner speech; furthermore, self-awareness is mediated by the prefrontal lobes. The crucial importance of inner speech is emphasized by reviewing past mentions to a relation between self-talk and self-awareness and by examining key connections it establishes between different parts of the model. Empirical evidence supporting the role of inner speech in self-reflection is also presented.
Requests for copies: amorin@mtroyal.ab.ca or Alain MORIN, Ph.D, Behavioral Sciences, Mount Royal College, 4825 Richard Road S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3E 6K6. The article is available on the Internet
Abstract. How do individuals remember feedback that is inconsistent or negative? According to the inconsistency-negativity resolution model, individuals are motivated to reduce uncertainty and strive to resolve inconsistency even when threat there is a potential threat to the self. They deeply process and better remember negative self- than other-referent information. According to the inconsistency-negativity neglect model, individuals are motivated to protect the self against threat. They engage in shallow processing and remember worse negative self- than other-referent information. Participants read and recalled either self- or other-referent mixed-valence information. The neglect model was supported in personality and minimal feedback settings. A chronometric exploration of processing mechanisms and the ruling out of a retrieval interference account clarified aspects of the model. Individuals are hypersensitive to threat potential: They will protect the self against even hypothetical threat.
Requests for copies: C.Sedikides@soton.ac.uk or Constantine Sedikides, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, England, UK
Abstract.We argue that persons derive ingroup expectancies from self-knowledge. This implies that perceivers process information about novel ingroups based on the self-congruency of this information, and not simply its valence. In Experiment 1, participants recalled more negative self-discrepant behaviors about an ingroup than about an outgroup. Experiment 2 replicated this effect under low cognitive load, but not under high load. Experiment 3 replicated the effect using an idiographic procedure. These recall findings suggest that perceivers engage in elaborative inconsistency-processing when they encounter negative self-discrepant information about an ingroup, but not when they encounter negative self-congruent information. Participants were also more likely to attribute self-congruent information to the ingroup than to the outgroup, regardless of information valence. Implications for models of social memory and self-categorization theory are discussed
Requests for copies: r.gramzow@neu.edu or Richard Gramzow, Department of Psychology, 125 Nightingale Hall, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115
Abstract. In this commentary I use recent empirical evidence and theoretical analyses concerning the importance of language and the meaning of self-recognition to reevaluate the claim that the right mute hemisphere in commissurotomized patients possesses a full consciousness. Preliminary data indicate that inner speech is deeply linked to self-awareness; also, four hypotheses concerning the crucial role inner speech plays in self-focus are presented. The legitimacy of self-recognition as a strong operationalization of self-awareness in the right hemisphere is also questioned on the basis that it might rather tap a preexisting body awareness having little to do with an access to mental events. I conclude with the formulation of an alternative interpretation of commissurotomy according to which split-brain patients exhibit two uneven streams of self-awareness--a "complete" one in the left hemisphere and a "primitive" one in the right hemisphere.
Requests for copies: alain.morin@acadiau.ca or Alain MORIN, Ph.D, Department of Psychology, Acadia University, Wolfville (NS) B0P 1X0, CANADA. The article is available on the Internet at http://http://www2.mtroyal.ab.ca/~amorin/Jmb.htm
Abstract. How is introspection related to accurate self-perception? Self-focused attention is said to facilitate accurate judgments of cognitive aspects (attitudes, standards, and attributions) and somatic aspects (sensations, arousal states, physical symptoms, emotions) of self. Our skeptical review concludes that the “perceptual accuracy hypothesis” is unsupported. There is simply little direct evidence, and the indirect evidence is better explained by objective self-awareness theory’s core tenet-self-focus increases consistency motivation. Most studies also have failed to appreciate the complexity of establishing the accuracy of a self-judgment. We conclude by discussing some of the conceptual issues that future work should recognize, such as the logics of accuracy research, the role of honesty standards in accurate self-reports, differences in self-perception versus object-perception, and the implications of different self-theories (cognitive, dialogical, constructivist) for accuracy.
Requests for copies: Paul Silvia, 426 Fraser Hall, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045-2160 USA (psilvia@ukans.edu); or Guido Gendolla, Institute of Psychology, University of Erlangen, Bismarckstr. 6, Erlangen, D-91054, Germany (gendolla@phil.uni-erlangen.de).
Abtract. Results of 5 studies demonstrate that self-evaluative comparisons have two distinct informational consequences with opposing judgmental effects: They selectively increase the accessibility of standard-consistent self-knowledge and provide an evaluative reference point. The first informational consequence produces assimilation in self-evaluative judgments, whereas the latter yields contrast. Using a lexical decision task, Study 1 demonstrates that a social comparison selectively increases the accessibility of standard-consistent self-knowledge. Study 2 shows that this effect also holds for comparisons with objective standards. Studies 3 and 4 reveal that the same comparison may lead to assimilation on objective and contrast on subjective self-judgments. Finally, Study 5 demonstrates that assimilation results for comparisons with relevant and irrelevant standards, whereas contrast only occurs for relevant standards. Furthermore, it shows behavioral assimilation effects.
Requests for copies: mussweiler@psychologie.uni-wuerzburg.de or Dr. Thomas Mussweiler, Psychologie II, Universitaet Wuerzburg, Roentgenring 10, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany
Requests for copies: e-mail: dstahlberg@sowi.uni-mannheim.de
Further information of this research project can be obtained from http://www.ust.hk/~websosc/project/hong/text/index.html
Abstract. Would people still see themselves through rose-colored glasses if they could see themselves from the same perspective as others see them? We contrast predictions from narcissism theory with cognitive-informational accounts of self-perception bias. Study 1 showed that narcissists enjoy situations in which they can view themselves from an external perspective, and report that such situations boost their self-confidence. In Study 2, subjects evaluated their performance in a group task from the "normal" visual perspective of the self and from a "reversed" perspective (manipulated via videotape). Narcissists overestimated their performance, and reversing visual perspective did not reduce this self-enhancement bias. Instead, we found a person-situation interaction: narcissists became even more positively biased whereas nonnarcissists showed even less bias. Thus, allowing narcissistic individuals to observe themselves on videotape further increased their self-admiration, just as the mythical Narcissus admired his reflection in the pond. (11/96)
Requests for copies: rwrobins@ucdavis.edu
Abstract. The relationship between culture and language was examined across 39 languages spoken in 71 cultures. Correlations were computed across languages and cultures between the use of first- and second-person singular pronouns (e.g., I and You) and global cultural dimensions such as Individualism, which were previously extracted in large-scale cross-cultural surveys (Chinese Culture Connection, 1987; Hofstede, 1980; Schwartz, 1994; Smith, Dugan, and Trompenaar, 1996). The personal pronouns were analyzed in terms of the number of first- and second-person singular pronouns and whether the pronouns can be dropped when used as the subject of a sentence in speech. Cultures with pronoun drop languages tended to be less Individualistic than those with non-pronoun drop languages. The number of personal pronouns correlated with some cultural dimensions that reflected different conceptions of the person. Personal deixis may provide a window through which cultural practices can be investigated.
Requests for copies: ronorato@csu.edu.au
Abstract. The theoretical distinction between goal intentions ("I intend to achieve x!") and implementation intentions ("I intend to perform goal-directed behavior y, when I encounter situation z!"; Gollwitzer, 1993) is explored by assessing the completion rate of various goal projects. In the correlation Study 1, difficult personal projects (goal intentions) were completed about three time more often when subjects had furnished them with implementation intentions. In the experimental Study 2, all subjects were assigned the same difficult goal intention and half of them were instructed to form implementation intentions. The beneficial effects of implementation intentions on goal achievement were observed to facilitate the immediate initiation of goal directed action when the intended opportunity was encountered. These findings are interpreted to mean that implementation intentions are powerful self-regulatory tools for overcoming the typical obstacles associated with the initiation of goal directed actions. (11/96)
Requests for copies: gollwitz@soz.psychologie.uni-konstanz.de
Abstract. In 5 studies, we investigated the effects of comparison with an individual versus comparison with the statistical average on self-evaluations of performance and ability. In Studies 1 and 2, participants took a test of lie detection ability and were provided with the average score and the score of an individual co-actor. Both types of feedback significantly affected self-evaluations of performance, but only comparison to the co-actor significantly affected self-evaluations of ability. Studies 3 and 4 demonstrated that the presence of a co-actor moderated the effect of aggregate social comparison on self-evaluations of ability. The results provide preliminary support for our contention that minimizing the impact of comparison to the average is a self-serving strategy that is facilitated by the presence of others.
Requests for copies: jbucking@towson.edu or Justin Buckingham, Department of Psychology, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252-0001.
Abstract. We argue in this paper for distinguishing two dimensions of global self-esteem, self-competence and self-liking. Studies 1 and 2 identify a corresponding pair of factors in Rosenberg's (1965) Self-Esteem Scale. Studies 3 and 4 examine the predictive value of the two-dimensional approach to self-esteem as reflected in the unique associations of self-competence and self-liking with negative life events and word recognition.
Requests for copies: tafarodi@psych.utoronto.ca.
Abstract. Previous research suggests that paradoxical self-esteem (contrasting levels of self-liking and self-competence) is associated with selective memory for self-relevant information. The form and function of this bias was examined here. College students classified as paradoxical or nonparadoxical viewed a series of trait adjectives. Recognition memory for the words was later tested. Results revealed that heightened selectivity in paradoxicals was limited to words conveying low social worth. Those paradoxically low in self-liking showed distinctively good memory and those paradoxically high in self-liking showed distinctively bad memory for these words. The claim that memory bias contributes to the persistence of paradoxical self-esteem was also tested. As expected, the self-liking of paradoxicals with the strongest memory bias showed the least shift toward self-competence four months later.
Requests for copies: tafarodi@psych.utoronto.ca.
Abstract. In this paper, we offer a clarified account of global self-esteem as consisting of self-competence and self-liking and describe a revised instrument designed to measure the two correlated dimensions. In Study 1, four measurement models representing distinct conceptions of self-esteem are compared to confirm the a priori structure of the instrument. In Study 2, multiple reporters (self, mother, and father) are used to provide evidence for convergent and discriminant validity in a multitrait-multimethod context. Advantages of the two-dimensional approach to measurement are discussed.
Requests for copies: tafarodi@psych.utoronto.ca.
Abstract. We tested the importance of motivational principles of maintaining self-esteem, distinctiveness, continuity and efficacy (Breakwell, 1993), as well as feelings of purpose and closeness to others, in shaping the perceived centrality of multiple elements of dentity among Anglican parish priests. Participants (N = 149) generated identity elements and rated them for perceived centrality and satisfaction of each principle. Comparing multilevel regression models, satisfaction of the self-esteem principle predict an estimated 32.5%, the four predictors of Breakwell's model 49.7%, and all six predictors 54.6% of the variance within participants in perceived centrality of the identity elements (all p < .001). We argue that distinctiveness, continuity and efficacy s uld be given equal theoretical consideration to self-esteem as motives guiding identity processes (cf. Abrams & Hogg, 1988; Brewer, 1991; Deaux, 1993; Sedikides & Strube, 1997).
Requests for copies: vignoles@socialpsychology.org or Vivian L. Vignoles, Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
Abstract. People will, under certain conditions, attribute failure to an external target to avoid an unfavorable self-evaluation. But to what external target do people attribute failure? Based on Heider's analysis of similarity and attribution, we predicted that failure---a negative event---would be attributed to a similarly negative external target. Participants worked on a task ostensibly created by three other people and received failure feedback. Self-awareness was either high or low, and people believed that their likelihood of improving in the future was either high or low. The valence of the fictional group members was manipulated such that one member was positive, another was mildly negative, and the third was highly negative. As in past research, highly self-aware persons who couldn't improve their failure attributed failure externally, relative to the other conditions. Consistent with Heider's analysis, these participants perceived the negative group members as being responsible for their failure, relative to self and the positive group member. Implications for the self-serving bias are discussed.
Requests for copies: psilvia@ku.edu, or Paul Silvia, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd., Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045-7556, USA
Abstract. Four studies examined the construct validity of two global self-esteem measures. In Studies 1-3, the correlation between a single-item measure of self-esteem (SISE) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSE) ranged from .73 to .80; this strong convergent validity held for males and females, for different ethnic groups, and for both college students and community members. The SISE and the RSE had nearly identical correlations with a wide range of criterion measures, including domain-specific self-evaluations, self-evaluative biases, social desirability, personality, psychological and physical health, peer ratings of group behavior, academic outcomes, and demographic variables. Study 4 showed that the SISE had only moderate convergent validity (r = .52) in a sample of children. Overall, the findings support the reliability and validity of the SISE, and suggest it can provide a practical alternative to the RSE in adult samples. More generally, the findings contribute to the research literature by further elaborating the nomological network of global self-esteem.
Address correspondence to: Richard W. Robins, University of California, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA 95616-8686. Phone: (530) 754-8299; Fax: (530) 752-2087; E-mail: rwrobins@ucdavis.edu
Abstract. Modified labeling theorists argue that the stigma of mental illness has important consequences for the lives of the mentally ill. We propose that social rejection is an enduring force in the lives of people with mental illness and assessing it is central to understanding the poor self-concepts many former psychiatric patients hold. We explore changes in a cohort of recently deinstitutionalized mental patients (N = 88) self-esteem and experiences with social rejection using data from a three wave panel survey conducted while institutionalized and over a two-year period following the patients discharge from a long-term state hospital. Our results indicate that social rejection is a persistent source of social stress for the discharged patients and that these experiences increase feelings of self-deprecation that, in turn, weaken their sense of mastery. Follow-up care setting (community treatment or another state hospital) had little impact on self-related feelings or on experiences of social rejection. Our results provide further support for modified labeling theory and underscore the need to consider the dynamic relationship between stigmatizing experiences and self-related changes. (1/00)
Requests for copies: ewright@iupui.edu or Eric R. Wright, Department of Sociology, Indiana University (IUPUI), 425 University Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202-5140.
Requests for copies: pauchard@entelchile.net
Requests for copies: E-mail: ddauenheimer@sowi.uni-mannheim.de
Abstract. A collective constructionist theory of the self proposes that many psychological processes, including enhancement of the self (pervasive in the United States) and criticism and subsequent improvement of the self (widespread in Japan), result from and support the very ways in which social acts and situations are collectively defined and subjectively experienced in the respective cultural contexts. In support of the theory, 2 studies showed, first, that American situations are relatively conducive to self-enhancement and American people are relatively likely to engage in self-enhancement and, second, that Japanese situations are relatively conducive to self-criticism and Japanese people are relatively likely to engage in self-criticism. Implications are discussed for the collective construction of psychological processes implicated in the self and, more generally, for the mutual constitution of culture and the self.(8/97)
Requests for copies: E-mail: kitayama@hi.h.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Abstract Subjects wrote (free format) descriptions of themselves and of their romantic partners. Self-esteem and publicness moderated these descriptions. In addition to a tendency of high self-esteem subjects to avoid self-derogatory statements more than low self-esteem subjects, qualitative differences in favorable self-presentation were observed. While high self-esteem subjects emphasized their abilities (self-promotion), low self-esteem subjects focussed instead on their social qualities and described themselves as altruistic (exemplification). Both groups described their partners positively and used indirect self-enhancement. However, the specific strategies of self-enhancement differed between the groups, such that high self-esteem subjects emphasized their superior abilities compared to their partners while low self-esteem subjects enhanced their self-worth by associating with a partner whom they described more positively than themselves.(6/97)
Requests for copies: astrid.schuetz@ppp.uni-bamberg.de
Abstract. A field study was conducted to test the hypothesis that discounted and augmented ability self-attributions mediate the interactive effects of claimed self-handicaps and academic success and failure on self-esteem. Sex differences in self-handicapping were also examined. College students were assessed for individual differences in self-handicapping and self-esteem at the beginning of the term and then completed a checklist of claimed self-handicaps immediatedly preceding their first in-class exam. At the following class, graded exams were returned to the students who then completed measures of mood, self-esteem, and performance attribution. High self-handicappers claimed more excuses prior to the test. Among failing students, claimed handicaps were associated with greater discounting of ability attributions and higher self-esteem. Among successful students, claimed handicaps were associated with augmented ability attribution and enhanced self-esteem. However, we failed to find support for sex differences in claimed self-handicapping. Implications of the present reasearch with regard to the functional utility of self-handicapping behavior are discussed. (11/96)
Requests for copies: PSYFRT@PSYCH.UTAH.EDU or Frederick Rhodewalt, Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Abstract. Little is known about the psychological benefits that accrue from the sick role. The self-enhancement model of factitious illness behavior (FIB) suggests that these benefits might include enhancement of the patient's self-esteem by (a) serving as a vehicle for the display of prized medical knowledge, (b) providing the patient with a sense of uniqueness, and (c) providing vicarious self-esteem by bringing the patient in contact with prestigious physicians. We tested the self-presentational value of these sick role features by asking participants to evaluate a fictitious medical patient. Participants made significantly more favorable judgements of the patient when the patient was described as medically knowledgeable, and when the patient had a unique as opposed to a common medical problem. These results provide preliminary support for an important assumption of the self-enhancement model of FIB, namely that certain enactments of the sick-role can have positive self-presentational consequences.
Requests for copies: JCHAMILT@BAMA.UA.EDU or James C. Hamilton, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Box 870348, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Abstract. We investigated the implications for identity and subjective well-being among Anglican parish priests (N = 149) of 3 sources of distinctiveness--position, difference and separateness--within parish and clergy comparative contexts, in a questionnaire study. These sources contributed substantially and uniquely (p < .001) to ratings of the distinctiveness associated with identity elements in each context. In the parish context, position was emphasized within identity (p < .001) and was positive for affect (p < .001), while separateness was negative for affect (p < .01). Distinctiveness in the clergy context was not emphasized within identity and was unrelated to affect. This shows that distinctiveness is not a unitary construct: extending existing theories (Breakwell, 1993; Brewer, 1991; Triandis, 1995), we argue that different forms of distinctiveness will have different implications for identity and well-being according to culture and context.
Requests for copies: vignoles@socialpsychology.org or Vivian L. Vignoles, Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
Abstract. Empirical evidence for effects of moods (both naturally occurring and experimentally manipulated) on behavior is reviewed in terms of an integrative theory -- the Mood-Behavior-Model (MBM). It is posited that moods can influence behavior via two processes. First, by informational effects on behavior-related judgments and appraisals which in turn will result in behavioral adjustments (i.e. the informational mood impact on behavior). Second, by influencing behavioral preferences and interests in compliance with a hedonic motive (i.e. the directive mood impact on behavior). Theoretical reasoning and empirical demonstrations suggest that the strength of the informational mood impact depends on moods’ effective informational weight for behavior-related judgments and on mood-primed associations. The strength of the directive mood impact is predicted to be jointly determined by two variables -- the strength of a hedonic motive and the instrumentality of possible acts for affect regulation. Relations between the MBM and other approaches are discussed.
Requests for copies: Guido Gendolla, University of Erlangen, LS Sozialpsychologie, Bismarckstr. 6,D-91054 Erlangen, Germany (gendolla@phil.uni-erlangen.de)
Request for copies: Todd Heatherton, Department of Psychology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03766, email: Todd.Heatherton@dartmouth.edu.
Abstract. This study evaluated the extent to which Significant-Other Concepts (SOCs) index relationship quality and predict emotional reactions to stressful situations. Mental representations of self (self-concept) and romantic partner (SOC) together with measures of relationship quality (conflict, depth, support and satisfaction), were assessed for 150 undergraduate psychology students and their romantic partners. Two experimental situations were used to measure emotional reactions; first, one partner performed a task while the other watched. Next both couples performed a task together. Both tasks were designed to be very difficult and emotional reactions to the poor task scores were used as the primary dependent measures. Significant-other concepts were found to be clearly distinguishable from self-concepts and were strongly associated with the participants' ratings of the relationship quality, mediating the effects of self-concepts. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that significant-other concepts predicted between 25% to 37% of the variance in measures of relationship quality beyond that accounted for by measures of self-concept. SOCs also predicted the emotional reactions to stress of male participants in both tasks. The evidence suggests that SOCs could provide a valuable implicit measure for relationship quality while providing a good heuristic for the field of close relationships.
Requests for copies:gurung@protos.lifesci.ucla.edu
Abstract. Narcissists are thought to display extreme affective reactions to positive and negative information about the self. In order to demonstrate empirically this effect as well as identify its mediators, two experiments were conducted in which high and low narcissistic individuals as defined by the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (Raskin & Hall, 1979) engaged a series of tasks in which they both succeeded and failed. After each task, participants made attributions for their performance and reported their moods. Compared to less narcissistic particpants, narcissists repsonded with greater changes in anxiety (Study 1), anger (Studies 1 and 2), and self-esteem (Study 2). Low self-complexity was examined as a mediator of narcissistic affect extremity but it neither mediated nor moderated affective responses. Rather, it was high NPI subjects' tendancy to attribute intial success to ability which led to more extreme anger responses to failure. The findings discuss a temporal sequence mode linking self-attribution and emotion to narcissistic rage. (11/96)
Requests for copies: PSYFTR@PSYCH.UTAH.EDU or Frederick Rhodewalt, Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Abstract. The theoretical distinction between goal intentions ("I intend to achieve x!") and implementation intentions ("I intend to perform goal-directed behavior y, when I encounter situation z!"; Gollwitzer, 1993) is explored by assessing the completion rate of various goal projects. In the correlation Study 1, difficult personal projects (goal intentions) were completed about three time more often when subjects had furnished them with implementation intentions. In the experimental Study 2, all subjects were assigned the same difficult goal intention and half of them were instructed to form implementation intentions. The beneficial effects of implementation intentions on goal achievement were observed to facilitate the immediate initiation of goal directed action when the intended opportunity was encountered. These findings are interpreted to mean that implementation intentions are powerful self-regulatory tools for overcoming the typical obstacles associated with the initiation of goal directed actions. (10/96)
Requests for copies: gollwitz@soz.psychologie.uni-konstanz.de
Abstract. Procrastination is variously described as harmful, innocuous, or even beneficial. Two longitudinal studies examined procrastination among students. Procrastinators reported lower stress and illness than nonprocrastinators early in the semester, but they reported higher stress and illness late in the term, and overall they were sicker. Procrastinators also received lower grades on all assignments. Procrastination thus appears to be a self-defeating behavior pattern marked by short-term benefits and long-term costs.(10/96)
Requests for copies: dxt2@po.cwru.edu or Dianne Tice, Dept of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7123.
Abstract. If self-regulation conforms to an energy or strength model, then self-control should be impaired by prior exertion. In Study 1, trying to regulate one's emotional response to an upsetting movie was followed by a decrease in physical stamina. In Study 2, suppressing forbidden thoughts led to a subsequent tendency to give up quickly on unsolvable anagrams. In Study 3, suppressing thoughts impaired subsequent efforts to control the expression of amusement and enjoyment. In Study 4, autobiographical accounts of successful vs. failed emotional control linked prior regulatory demands and fatigue to self-regulatory failure. A strength model of self-regulation fits the data better than activation, priming, skill, or constant capacity models of self-regulation.(10/96)
Requests for copies: dxt2@po.cwru.edu or Dianne Tice, Dept of psychology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7123.
Abstract. It is studied how to analyze leisure impact in the self complex system. With this purpose, it is observed that some authors point up that the self is a complex phenomenon that: is constituted of several related self-referential aspects, emerges from the interaction with others, and is conditioned by the roles a person plays in his/her family, school, work, leisure, and so on (Mead, Munné, Mruk, Kleiber, Harter, Higgins, Csikszentmihalyi, Codina, etc.). However, most of the empirical studies follow methodologies that simplify the self complex reality, and do not bring about the leisure contribution in the self. Having considered these limitations, we propose a procedure to study leisure influence in the leisure complex system: the Sequential-Qualitative Methodology (SQM),which has been developed in our previous researches. In the present study, we contribute to the knowledge about leisure and self by: showing self referential motivations in current leisure tendencies, and describing a methodological approach to study leisure influence in self, which is considered a basic process in person and society development.
Request for copies: ncodina@psi.ub.es or Núria Codina, Departament de Psicologia Social, Universitat de Barcelona. Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron, 171 – 08035 Barcelona / Spain
Abstract. In two studies participants preselected on their extreme scores on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI, Raskin & Hall, 1979) were assessed for self-complexity and evaluative integration. Then, for five (Study 1) or six (Study 2) consecutive days they recorded their mood, self-esteems, and daily experiences. Narcissists displayed greater positive mood variability, mood intensity, and self-esteem instability than did less narcissistic individuals, negative interpersonal events increased self-esteem instability and positive interpersonal events decreased self-esteem instability. The findings are discussed within reference to a social-cognitive-interpersonal model of narcissistic behavior. (11/96)
Requests for copies: PSYFTR@PSYCH.UTAH.EDU or Frederick Rhodewalt, Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Abstract. This research examined moderators of naturally occurring self- fulfilling prophecies. We assessed whether positive or negative self- fulfilling prophecies were more powerful, and whether some targets were more susceptible to self-fulfilling prophecies because of their self-concepts and previous academic records. Results were based on longitudinal data obtained from 98 teachers and 1539 students in sixth-grade public school math classes. Moderation of self-fulfilling prophecies was assessed with a series of multiple regression analyses. Results yielded one strong pattern and one weak pattern. The clearest and strongest pattern of results showed that teacher perceptions predicted greater achievement changes among low achievers than among high achievers. There was also a weaker tendency for teacher perceptions that overestimated students' past performance to predict greater achievement changes than did teacher perceptions that underestimated students' past performance. Implications for social perceptual accuracy, self- enhancement theory, and for understanding conditions under which self- fulfilling prophecies are stronger are discussed. (10/96)
Requests for copies: jussim@rci.rutgers.edu. Stephanie Madon and Lee Jussim can both be reached at Dept. of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903.
Address correspondence to: Richard W. Robins, University of California, Department of Psychology, Davis, CA 95616-8686. Phone: (530) 754-8299; Fax: (530) 752-2087; E-mail: rwrobins@ucdavis.edu
Requests for copies:bkcostes@email.unc.edu
Abstract. Using neuroimaging experiments and neuropsychological case studies, Keenan mainly examines the neural basis of mirror self-recognition (MSR) and Theory of Mind (TOM), and proposes that self-awareness is dominantly associated with areas of the right hemisphere. I believe that this conclusion is both inflated and premature. MSR is only superficially related to genuine, fully mature human self-awareness. Furthermore, TOM should not be equated with self-awareness because some forms of it (e.g., self-rumination) actually interfere with thinking about others' mental states. One more general (and serious) problem with the book is the proposal that because MSR and TOM are mainly generated by right hemispheric activity, then it follows that self-awareness itself is associated with activity of the same hemisphere. Recent studies on autobiographical memory and self-description also indicate left hemispheric activity.
Requests for copies: amorin@mtroyal.ab.ca.
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Abstract. In this commentary I evaluate the claim made by Keenan, Nelson, O'Connor and Pascual-Leone (2001) that since self-recognition results from right hemispheric activity, self-awareness too is likely to be produced by the activity of the same hemisphere. This reasoning is based on the assumption that self-recognition represents a valid operationalization of self-awareness; I present two views that challenge this rational. Keenan et al. also support their claim with published evidence relating brain activity and self-awareness; I closely examine their analysis of one specific review of literature and conclude that it appears to be biased. Finally, recent research suggests that inner speech (which is associated with left hemispheric activity) is linked to self-awareness -- an observation that further casts doubt on the existence of a right hemispheric self-awareness.
Requests for copies: amorin@mtroyal.ab.ca.
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