Motives of the Self

Flashcards covering the key concepts of self-motives including self-enhancement, self-verification, cognitive-affective conflict, self-assessment, and self-improvement.

What is the self-enhancement motive?

The motive to increase self-esteem.

How do people act when driven by self-enhancement?

They seek information that supports positive thinking about themselves and boosts self-worth.

In what behaviors is self-enhancement visible?

• Preferring positive feedback • Rejecting negative information • Overestimating positive traits • Comparing oneself downward • Associating with people who have desirable traits

What function does self-enhancement serve?

It protects self-esteem and well-being.

What is self-verification?

A cognitive tendency to seek information that confirms the existing self-concept.

How do people pursue self-verification?

They actively gather confirming information, especially from others.

Why do people seek confirmation of their self-views?

Because they need internal consistency and predictability.

What benefits does self-verification provide?

• More accurate predictions • Realistic aspirations • Better goal-setting and behaviour adjustment • True self-knowledge

Do people also verify negative self-schemas?

Yes — they seek confirmation of negative self-beliefs, too.

What happens when life events contradict self-image?

Even positive events may drain energy, lower resistance to illness, or lead to psychosomatic problems.

What is meant by 'disease from happiness'?

When too many unexpected positive events disrupt the Self-system because the person feels unprepared or undeserving.

What questions are central to self-assessment?

• 'Who am I?' • 'What traits do I have?' • 'What am I suited for?'

What is the goal of self-assessment?

Self-understanding and personality development.

What is self-improvement?

The motive to change oneself, take on challenges, and reduce the gap between the actual Self and the ideal Self.

When is the self-improvement motive especially visible?

During failures or setbacks.