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The role of self-image concerns in discrepancies between implicit and explicit self-esteem
Valerie L Laws1, Luis M Rivera
1Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, USA.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|August 3, 2012
Summary
Individuals with large self-esteem discrepancies act irrationally when their self-image is threatened. Self-affirmation reverses irrational implicit attitudes toward sexual health, particularly condom use.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Attitude Formation
- Self-Perception Theory
Background:
- Discrepancies between implicit and explicit self-esteem may indicate underlying self-image concerns.
- These concerns can influence decision-making and attitude expression, particularly in sensitive areas like sexual health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between self-esteem discrepancy and irrational attitudes towards sexual health.
- To examine how self-image threats and self-affirmation affect implicit and explicit attitudes toward condoms.
Main Methods:
- Four experiments were conducted, involving measurement of self-esteem discrepancy, self-image ambivalence, and attitudes toward condoms.
- Participants received either negative, positive, or no feedback on an intelligence test to induce self-threat or affirmation.
Main Results:
- Large self-esteem discrepancy was associated with greater implicit self-image ambivalence.
- Self-threat led to irrational, negative implicit attitudes toward condoms in high-discrepancy individuals.
- Self-affirmation successfully reversed these negative implicit attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with significant self-esteem discrepancies are vulnerable to irrational attitudes when facing self-threats.
- Self-affirmation strategies can mitigate negative implicit attitudes toward sexual health, suggesting a pathway for intervention.
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