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Do Autonomous Individuals Strive for Self Positivity? A Test of the Universality of Self-Enhancement

Lynch, Bridget Petersen
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1366371829

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, Psychology, General.
The present research explored the self-enhancement strategies autonomous individuals use and tried to determine which strategies are best for psychological well-being. We examined whether autonomous individuals self-enhance through seeking out positive information about the self, rather than avoiding negative information. The former was hypothesized to be positively associated with well-being while the latter was not. Previous research suggests that individuals high in autonomy and low in controlledness do not self-enhance; however, recent work suggests that self-enhancement is a universal human motivation. In Study 1, to examine patterns of self-enhancement at varying levels of autonomy and controlledness, participants (N = 175) completed the Self-Enhancement and Self-Protection Strategies scale (SSS; Hepper, Gramzow, & Sedikides, 2010) and the General Causality Orientation Scale (GCOS; Deci & Ryan, 1985a). Results suggested autonomy predicted engaging in approach—but not avoidance—oriented self-enhancement strategies, while controlledness was associated with both approach and avoidance oriented strategies. In Study 2, to examine patterns of self-enhancement, autonomy, and well-being, 378 participants completed baseline measures of autonomy, self-enhancement, and well-being at Time 1. At Time 2, participants (N = 105) completed impossible mazes, were given false negative feedback, engaged in a self-enhancement coping strategy either congruent or incongruent with their level of autonomy, and finally completed the same battery of well-being measures as in Time 1. Results suggest there is no support for the hypothesis; while controlling for controlledness and Time 1 well-being, there was no effect of self-enhancement strategy on well-being nor did the effect of self-enhancement strategy on well-being vary by one’s level of autonomy or self-enhancement strategy.
Erin M. O'Mara, PhD. (Committee Chair)
Jack J. Bauer, PhD (Committee Member)
Ben R. Kunz, PhD (Committee Member)
80 p.
Psychology
self-enhancement; well-being; autonomy; self-protection

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lynch, B. P. (2013). Do Autonomous Individuals Strive for Self Positivity? A Test of the Universality of Self-Enhancement [Master's thesis, University of Dayton]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1366371829

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lynch, Bridget. Do Autonomous Individuals Strive for Self Positivity? A Test of the Universality of Self-Enhancement. 2013. University of Dayton, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1366371829.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lynch, Bridget. "Do Autonomous Individuals Strive for Self Positivity? A Test of the Universality of Self-Enhancement." Master's thesis, University of Dayton, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1366371829

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by University of Dayton and OhioLINK.