On the self-protective nature of inconsistency-negativity management: using the person memory paradigm to examine self-referent memory.
How do individuals remember feedback that is inconsistent or negative? According to the inconsistency-negativity resolution model, individuals are motivated to reduce uncertainty and resolve inconsistency even when threat to self is potential. They more deeply process and better remember negative self- than other-referent information. According to the inconsistency-negativity neglect model, individuals are motivated to protect the self against threat. They engage in more shallow processing and remember less negative self- than other-referent information. Participants read and recalled either self- or other-referent mixed-valence information. The neglect model was supported in personality and minimal feedback settings. A chronometric exploration of processing mechanisms and the ruling out of a retrieval interference account clarified aspects of the model. Individuals are hypersensitive to threat potential: They will protect the self against even hypothetical threat.
Sedikides
C
C
Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, England. c.sedikides@soton.ac.uk
Green
J D
JD
D000328:Adult; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D010551:Personality; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D012938:Social Perception