Portrait of the self-enhancer: well adjusted and well liked or maladjusted and friendless?
Research has variously portrayed self-enhancement as an indicator of narcissistic defensiveness or as a concomitant of mental health. To address this controversy, the present study used multiple measures of self-enhancement along with multiple measures and judges of mental health, comprehensively assessing their relationship. The results indicated that self-enhancement is positively associated with multiple indicators of mental health and with a more favorable impact on others. Discussion centers on a reconciliation of discrepant portraits of the self-enhancer.
Taylor
Shelley E
SE
Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles 90024, USA. taylors@psych.ucla.edu
Lerner
Jennifer S
JS
Sherman
David K
DK
Sage
Rebecca M
RM
McDowell
Nina K
NK
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D009289:Narcissism; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires