College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations (1964–2006)

Term of Award

Spring 2001

Degree Name

Masters of Psychology

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Department

Department of Psychology

Committee Chair

William McIntosh

Committee Member 1

Richard Rogers

Committee Member 2

Michael Nielson

Abstract

Two distinct styles of self-enhancement were proposed, an Offensive Self-Enhancement Style which consisted of people exaggerating their abilities, putting themselves above others and being sensitive to failures, and a Defensive Self-Enhancement Style which consisted of acknowledgment of abilities in response to successes while buffering against failure. It was proposed that Offensive Self- Enhancement would be detrimental to happiness while Defensive Self-Enhancement would promote happiness. To test the theory, participants performed a word-arranging task and then were given either positive or negative false feedback. Participants' self-ratings of their ability at the task were analyzed and compared with various measures of happiness to determine whether the proposed self-enhancement styles exist. Results failed to support the existence of self-enhancement styles. Results were found to support a theory that accurate self-assessment acts to improve self-enhancement through motivated selection of behaviors and experiences.

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