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Cognitive self-affirmation inclination: an individual difference in dealing with self-threats
Suzanne Pietersma1, Arie Dijkstra
1University of Groningen, The Netherlands. s.pietersma@rug.nl
The British Journal of Social Psychology
|March 23, 2012
Summary
People vary in their tendency to use positive self-images when threatened, a trait called cognitive self-affirmation inclination (CSAI). A strong CSAI predicts greater open-mindedness to threatening information and influences persuasion.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Individuals exhibit varying inclinations to utilize positive self-images when their sense of self is threatened.
- This tendency, termed cognitive self-affirmation inclination (CSAI), mirrors the effects of self-affirmation manipulations by fostering open-mindedness towards threatening information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the significance, stability, and effects of CSAI as a novel individual difference measure.
- To investigate the relationship between CSAI and open-mindedness, persuasion, and other self-related constructs.
Main Methods:
- A series of studies were conducted, including cross-sectional surveys and experimental designs.
- Participants' cognitive self-affirmation inclination was measured using a newly developed scale.
- The effects of CSAI on open-mindedness, persuasion, and its relation to self-efficacy and self-consciousness were examined.
Main Results:
- A strong CSAI was associated with greater perception of negative consequences from smoking, indicating open-mindedness.
- The CSAI scale demonstrated stability and reliability across studies.
- CSAI showed moderate overlap with self-efficacy but no relation with self-consciousness.
- High CSAI individuals exhibited persuasion patterns similar to those induced by self-affirmation manipulations.
- Self-reported positive self-images mediated the influence of CSAI on persuasion.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive self-affirmation inclination is a stable individual difference that enhances open-mindedness and persuasion, particularly under self-threat.
- Individuals with a strong CSAI may not benefit from external self-affirmation manipulations as they already access positive self-images.
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