Self-infiltration: confusing assigned tasks as self-selected in memory.
Two studies examined determinants of self-infiltration (i.e., false self-attribution of externally controlled goals or activities). According to Personality Systems Interactions (PSI) theory, a sad mood was expected to reduce access to integrated self-representations and lead to self-infiltration for participants who have an impaired ability to cope with negative affect (i.e., state-oriented participants). Consistent with expectations, state-oriented participants had a tendency toward self-infiltration (as indexed by higher rates of false self-ascription of assigned activities) when reporting higher levels of sadness (Study 1) and after the experimental induction of a sad mood (Study 2). Participants who are able to downregulate negative affect (i.e., action-oriented participants), did not show this tendency. Theoretical and practical implications of the process of self-infiltration are discussed.
Baumann
Nicola
N
Department of Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Seminarstrasse 20 EW, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany. baumann@luce.psycho.uni-osnabrueck.de
Kuhl
Julius
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D010551:Personality; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012649:Self Concept; D014836:Volition