Discrepancies between explicit and implicit self-concepts: Consequences for information processing.
Individuals with discrepancies among their explicit beliefs often engage in greater elaboration of discrepancy-related information in a presumed attempt to reduce the discrepancy. The authors predicted that individuals with discrepancies between explicit and implicit self-conceptions might similarly be motivated to engage in processing of discrepancy-related information, even though they might not be aware of the discrepancy. Four studies were conducted in which various self-dimensions were assessed with explicit and implicit measures. Across several different self-dimensions (e.g., need to evaluate, self-esteem), the authors found that as the discrepancy between the explicit and implicit measure increased (regardless of direction), people engaged in more thinking about information framed as related to the self-dimension on which the discrepancy existed. This research suggests that individuals might be motivated to examine relevant information as a strategy to minimize the implicit doubt that accompanies an inconsistency between explicit and implicit self-conceptions.
Briñol
Pablo
P
Department of Social Psychology and Methodology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Petty
Richard E
RE
Wheeler
S Christian
SC
D001364:Awareness; D003469:Culture; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D009042:Motivation; D018187:Personal Construct Theory; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D012649:Self Concept; D012792:Shyness; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology