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Overly positive self-evaluations and personality: negative implications for mental health
C R Colvin1, J Block, D C Funder
1Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Overly positive self-evaluations, or self-enhancement, are linked to poor psychological adjustment and social skills. Accurate self-appraisals are crucial for mental health.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Self-enhancement, characterized by overly positive self-evaluations, has been debated regarding its impact on psychological adjustment.
- Previous formulations have suggested potential benefits of positive self-regard.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between self-enhancement and psychological adjustment.
- To investigate the short-term and long-term consequences of self-enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted: two longitudinal and one laboratory-based.
- Self-enhancement was assessed by comparing self-descriptions of personality with observer ratings (trained examiners or friends).
- Behavioral observations in the laboratory study were independently judged for their impact on social interaction.
Main Results:
- Longitudinal data revealed that self-enhancement was associated with poor social skills and psychological maladjustment both 5 years prior and 5 years subsequent to assessment.
- In the laboratory study, individuals with a tendency for self-enhancement exhibited behaviors detrimental to positive social interaction.
- These findings suggest negative consequences of self-enhancement across different timeframes.
Conclusions:
- Self-enhancement is associated with negative psychological and social outcomes.
- Accurate self-appraisals and realistic assessments of the social environment appear essential for mental health.
- The study challenges prior theories suggesting benefits of high self-regard.