The Self Under Threat Flashcards
Definition of Self Integrity
the perception of oneself as morally and adaptively good
Do we all have a need for self integrity?
Yes
Definition of psychological threat
perception of environmental challenge to one’s self integrity
Definition of defensive reactions
-tive, hostile or distorted reactions to anything bad about the self to protect self integrity
Benefit of defensive reactions
allows us to maintain +tive self views and restore self integrity
Limitation of defensive reactions
get in the way of learning from the challenge/setback
We are motivated to maintain self integrity so when our integrity is threatened, we are…
we are motivated to repair it
We can repair self integrity by engaging in?
self affirmation
Definition of self affirmation
an act that demonstrates one’s adequacy
Key Principle of Self Affirmation Theory
1) overall/global vs specific
Motivated to maintain overall/global self integrity rather than integrity in specific domain
Self integrity is flexible so we can affirm a role or identity in an important domain…
unrelated to the threat to repair self integrity
Key Principle of Self Affirmation Theory
2) good enough vs excellent
Our motive is to be good enough rather than excellent/superior
Key Principle of Self Affirmation Theory
3) self integrity is maintained/restored by?
demonstrating integrity through meaningful acts or reminder of acts
(praising oneself in the absence of evidence will not work)
Examples of Self Affirmation
1) Accomplishments
2) Engaging in meaningful activities
3) Reflecting on personal values and strengths
Definition of symbolic self completion
engaging in activities that will bolster specific self aspect that was threatened
- more likely if domain is central
- usually defensive
Definition of self affirmation
we compensate our threats to the self by engaging in activities that will bolster GLOBAL sense of integrity
- more likely if domain is less integrity
TRUE/FALSE: Self affirmation can reduce the need for symbolic self completion
True
Self affirmations lifts barriers to learning from threat by (2)
1) buffering against threat
2) reducing defensiveness
Definition of Stereotype Threat
when individuals fear they will confirm a -tive stereotype about their social group which leads to anxiety. reduced performance and disengagement
How do minority students perform when race is emphasized before a test?
minority students perform worse (vs when race is not mentioned)
Self affirmation & Educational Interventions (White vs Latino) RESULTS
Self affirmation improved GPA of minority students but not WHITE students
Self affirmation & Educational Interventions (White vs Latino) RESULTS AFTER 2 YEARS
self affirmation intervention persisted after 2 years
Self affirmation & Educational Interventions (White vs Latino) RESULTS - what does this suggest?
self affirmations can improve academic performance of minority students
Self affirmation can create a long lasting +tive change by setting off a ?
positive feedback loop between self perceptions, +tive outcomes and social environment
