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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal

Published on: April 18, 2017

Examining self-presentation as a motivational explanation for comparative optimism.

James M Tyler¹, Jennifer Gill Rosier

¹Department of Communication, Interpersonal Division, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA. tyler@purdue.edu

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

|September 30, 2009

Summary

People use comparative optimism to present themselves favorably, but only when they don't fear being held accountable. Accountability concerns reduce optimistic self-presentation, showing a balance between self-image and responsibility.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal

Published on: April 18, 2017

Area of Science:

Social Psychology
Cognitive Bias Research

Background:

Comparative optimism, the tendency to view oneself as more optimistic than others, is a common cognitive bias.
Previous research has explored various explanations for this phenomenon.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of self-presentation in driving comparative optimism.
To examine how accountability pressures influence the use of comparative optimism for self-enhancement.

Main Methods:

Five experiments were conducted to test the self-presentation hypothesis.
Participants' optimistic estimates and perceptions of accountability were manipulated and measured.

Main Results:

People associate optimism with a favorable self-image.
Comparative optimism was employed for self-presentation when accountability risks were low.
Increased accountability demands led to decreased comparative optimism.

Conclusions:

Comparative optimism serves as a self-presentation strategy to project a desirable identity.
The expression of comparative optimism is moderated by the perceived risk of accountability.