Lesson 9 : Development of Personality- Self Perspective
Self attribution theory
When self esteem is threatened, individuals need mechanisms to overcome the psychological crisis. These mechanisms help to secure self esteem and self image. They are
Self serving bias - This is a tendency to assume that we can do no wrong. We attribute the negative things that happen to us to external factors and positive things to our own effort/ disposition. Ex.1 . A failed test – the paper was difficult/ too long/ confusing Ex.2 . A good grade- studied well, concentrated better, chose the right question to answer.
Egocentricity - It is a tendency to highlight our own importance. It is exaggerating the importance of our own role in changing events in which we participate. Most people assume that compared to themselves, other people were less talented, less committed, have poor skills, no motivation and so on. Ex . If a programme was successful, one person claims that his work was the only critical input for the success.
Cognitive conservatism - It is a tendency to assume that we don’t have to change but others must change, when change is necessary. Ex.1 . Students saying if they have to learn anything, these teachers must teach differently. Ex. 2 .Spouse says the partner must change if marriage has to ever survive.
Self handicapping – it is the invention of excuses to explain possible failure. To cover themselves up when they may not do well and meet people’s expectations, individuals place certain obstacles in their path so that possible future failure could be attributed to some external agent / factor rather than their ability. Although low ability is one reason for failure, it can be covered by the existence of a handicap. Ex . Claiming to have had fever on the previous night, before attempting an important examination.
Each of these falls under the self attribution process. They help attribute certain reasons and explanations for our behavior, to that we can present our self in the best light possible.
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