Why do we have positively enhanced self-views? by kris1920 2014/08/05 05:30
The adaptive nature of self-
enhancement might be the answer.
Conveying the information that one has
desirable characteristics is beneficial in
a social environment. People may try to
deceive others about their
characteristics, but deception has two
main disadvantages. First, it is
cognitively taxing because the deceiver
has to hold two conflicting
representations of reality in mind: the
true state of affairs and the deception.
The resulting cognitive load reduces
performance in other cognitive
functions. Second, people are good at
detecting deception and they show
strong negative emotional reactions
toward deceivers. Since in self-
enhancement people truly believe that
they have desirable characteristics, they
can promote themselves without having
to lie. Self-enhancement also boosts
confidence. Researchers have shown that
confidence plays a role in determining
whom people choose as leaders and
romantic partners. Confident people are
believed more and their advice is more
likely to be followed.
The adaptive nature of self-
enhancement might be the answer.
Conveying the information that one has
desirable characteristics is beneficial in
a social environment. People may try to
deceive others about their
characteristics, but deception has two
main disadvantages. First, it is
cognitively taxing because the deceiver
has to hold two conflicting
representations of reality in mind: the
true state of affairs and the deception.
The resulting cognitive load reduces
performance in other cognitive
functions. Second, people are good at
detecting deception and they show
strong negative emotional reactions
toward deceivers. Since in self-
enhancement people truly believe that
they have desirable characteristics, they
can promote themselves without having
to lie. Self-enhancement also boosts
confidence. Researchers have shown that
confidence plays a role in determining
whom people choose as leaders and
romantic partners. Confident people are
believed more and their advice is more
likely to be followed.
#2 General Area
A forum for life in general. Post about news, social matters, relationships, lifestyle, or anything on your mind.