PSY2203 Lecture 8: The Self I, Making life easier, better, and more positive

Question 1

Give a little intro on why we have these self-serving, positive biases?

Answer 1

Tries to get us to see ourselves in a good light, and this is healthy until it become delusional.

Question 2

What are the three categorises of positive unhealthy delusional views?

Answer 2

1. Unrealistic positive views of self
2. Unrealistic optimism
3. Unrealistic perception of self-control

THIS LECTURE ONLY FOCUSES ON FIRST TWO.

Question 3

Tell me about unrealistic positive views of self

Answer 3

We attribute negative outcomes to situation and positive outcomes to disposition to feel good about ourselves.
There is also a cognitive element to why we have this skewed view of how amazing we are: we expect success, so when this coincides with reality it weighs heavier in our memory.
Theres also motivated scepticism

Question 4

What is motivated scepticism (relating to about how we have unrealistic positive views of ourselves)

Answer 4

We shleter our self-esteem from damaging feedback.

(i.e.) choose friends with similar views, see ambigious feedback in positive light, discredit source.

Question 5

What is cognitive dissonance reduction (relating to about how we have unrealistic positive views of ourselves)

Answer 5

When we do something bad (i.e.) smoke, instead of just accepting that we are taking an L in life, we reduce this cognitive dissonance by either quitting smoking, or adjusting beliefs about smoking.

Bluffers guide to rationalisation explains how we do this:
Seek cognitions consistent with discrepancy
Change your attitude so there is no discrepancy
Affirm sense of self as positive in other related domains
Trivialization

Question 6

What is defensive pesimissism (relating to about how we have unrealistic positive views of ourselves)

Answer 6

When theres an anxiety-provoking event, expect the worst so that if it goes wrong it doesnt hurt your ego. This can even lead people to partake in self-handicap, where they do something to hinder their performace so failure can be blamed on that rather than their disposition.

Question 7

What is biased theory generation (relating to how we have unrealistic optimism about our future)

Answer 7

we believe our personality is responsible for positive outcomes. This makes us feel more in control of good things happening to us as we think our personality causes them.

Question 8

What is empirical evidence of biased theory generation (relating to how we have unrealistic optimism about our future)

Answer 8

Kunda (1987)- people read about divorced / married people with various attributes. People claimed attributes as contributing to marriage (not divorced) outcome when person had same attributes as them.