Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
Published on: September 27, 2020
Individual differences in self-enhancement and self-protection strategies: an integrative analysis
Erica G Hepper1, Richard H Gramzow, Constantine Sedikides
1Center for Research on Self and Identity, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom. E.Hepper@soton.ac.uk
Abstract:
Research has identified a large number of strategies that people use to self-enhance or self-protect. We aimed for an empirical integration of these strategies. Two studies used self-report items to assess all commonly recognized self-enhancement or self-protection strategies. In Study 1 (N=345), exploratory factor analysis identified 4 reliable factors. In Study 2 (N=416), this model was validated using confirmatory factor analysis. The factors related differentially to the key personality variables of regulatory focus, self-esteem, and narcissism. Expanding this integrative approach in the future can reveal a great deal about the structure and dynamics of self-enhancement and self-protection motivation.
Related Concept Videos
Protecting Self-Esteem
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Strategies of Self-Presentation III: Self-Monitoring
Strategies of Self-Presentation II: Self-Verification
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
