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Rader L, Gauggel S, Drueke B, Weise L, Forster SD, Mainz V. Internal and external self-affirmation resources: validation and assessment of psychometric properties of the spontaneous self-affirmation measure using structural equation modeling. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1217416. [PMID: 38638517 PMCID: PMC11024277 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1217416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction People use coping strategies such as self-affirmation to manage threats to their self-esteem. In empirical research, self-affirmation often involves recalling personal values, strengths, or relationships to restore moral integrity. Research shows it improves attitude adjustment, resolves cognitive dissonance, and enhances well-being. Some studies stress the importance of distinguishing between different aspects of self-affirmation, like strengths or social relations. These aspects align with concepts in psychotherapy that differentiate between internal and external resource activation, benefiting health, self-esteem, and resilience. The aim of the current study was twofold: first, to independently test the three-factor structure of the Spontaneous Self-affirmation Measure (SSAM), and second, to integrate self-affirmation strategies into a broader resource activation framework as resilience factors. It also examined associations with self-esteem and effects of age, gender, and education on spontaneous self-affirmation. Methods 1,100 participants (72% female, age 18-65) were recruited online. The original three-factor structure of the SSAM (with the factors Strengths, Values and Social relations) was examined using structural equation modeling. Further, a theory driven two-factor structure applying an internal and external resources framework was examined, integrating the factors of the SSAM into the taxonomy of resource activation (Internal resources: Strengths and Values; External resources: Social relations). Results The results of confirmatory factor analyses showed that both the original three-factor structure and the complementary two-factor structure with an Internal resources and External resources factor fit the data appropriately. All three factors of the original factor model showed a high reliability (Strengths: ω t = 0.91, Values: ω t = 0.91, Social relations: ω t = 0.92). We also found measurement invariance across age, gender, and education. Furthermore, group differences regarding gender, education and ethnicity in the utilization of spontaneous self-affirmation strategies were apparent. Finally, it was demonstrated that the Internal resources factor of the complementary two-factor model is significantly more strongly correlated with self-esteem than the External Resources factor [z = 12.80, p < 0.001, 95%CIdiff (0.24, 0.33)]. Discussion The study confirms the validity of both the three-factor and two-factor structures of the SSAM. Integrating self-affirmation into the resource activation framework may facilitate applying findings from self-affirmation studies to clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Rader
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Vogt KS, Stephenson J, Norman P. Comparing self-affirmation manipulations to reduce alcohol consumption in university students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:2380-2389. [PMID: 34731076 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1968409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Self-affirmation theory proposes that defensive processing prevents people from accepting health-risk messages, which may explain university students' dismissal of risk-information about binge drinking. SA-interventions may encourage non-biased processing of such information through impacting on interpersonal feelings and self-esteem. This study compared two self-affirmation manipulations on interpersonal feelings, self-esteem, message processing, message acceptance and subsequent alcohol consumption.Participants: UK university students (N = 454).Methods: Participants were randomly allocated to one of three conditions (Self-affirmation Implementation Intention, Kindness Questionnaire, Control) before reading health-risk information about binge drinking. This was followed by measures of interpersonal feelings, self-esteem, message processing, acceptance and behavioral intentions. Alcohol consumption was assessed one week later.Results: The self-affirmation manipulations had non-significant effects on all outcome variables.Conclusion: Consistent with previous research, the results indicate that self-affirmation interventions are not effective for reducing alcohol consumption in university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Sophie Vogt
- School of Health and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - John Stephenson
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Paul Norman
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Yousaf O, Taylor J. Dispositional Mindfulness Mediates the Relationship between Emotion Regulation and Creativity. JOURNAL OF CREATIVITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15401383.2022.2074182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Szpitalak M, Polczyk R. Mediators and Moderators of Reinforced Self-Affirmation as a Method for Reducing the Memory Misinformation Effect. Front Psychol 2021; 12:666707. [PMID: 34887794 PMCID: PMC8649659 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.666707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The misinformation effect occurs when an eyewitness includes information in his or her account that is incongruent with the event he or she witnessed, and stems from being exposed to incorrect external sources. This is a serious threat to the quality of witness testimony and to the correctness of decisions reached by courts. However, few methods have been developed to reduce the vulnerability of witnesses to misinformation. This article presents such a method, namely, reinforced self-affirmation (RSA), which, by increasing memory confidence of witnesses, makes them less inclined to rely on external sources of information and more on their own memory. The effectiveness of this method was confirmed in three experiments. It was also found that memory confidence, but not general self-confidence, is a mediator of the impact of RSA on misinformation effect (ME), and that contingent self-esteem and feedback acceptance, but not sense of self-efficacy or general self-esteem, are moderators of this impact. It is concluded that RSA may be a promising basis for constructing methods, which can be used by forensic psychologists in real forensic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Romuald Polczyk
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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O'Brien K, Sukovieff A, Johnson EA. Evidence of Delayed, Recursive Benefits of Self-Affirmation on Anxiety in Socially Anxious University Students. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2021.40.6.534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Persons with social anxiety disorder (SAD) often experience social interactions as threatening and commonly avoid them or perform poorly in them (Asher et al., 2017). Self-affirmation is an intervention shown to help individuals engage effectively in situations they perceive as threatening (Sherman & Hartson, 2011). We hypothesized that self-affirmation would allow socially anxious individuals to participate in more social activities, do so more effectively, and with less stress and anxiety. Methods: Following completion of baseline measures, 75 socially anxious university students were randomly assigned to complete a self-affirming or control writing task. They subsequently completed the Trier Social Stress Test for Groups (TSST-G), and received SAD psychoeducation designed to promote social engagement over the coming month, after which they were reassessed on baseline measures of social anxiety. Results Self-affirmation demonstrated no benefit at the time of engagement in the TSST-G. However, at follow-up, self-affirmed students reported significantly less discomfort, anxiety, and distress related to a variety of social behaviors as well as more engagement in those behaviors, relative to baseline, compared with non-affirmed students. Moreover, significantly more affirmed than non-affirmed participants reported clinically significant reductions in symptoms of SAD at follow-up. Discussion These results help to broaden our conceptualization of self-affirmation and provide support for its potential utility in treatment for those with SAD.
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More KR, Phillips LA, Green Z, Mentzou A. Examining self-affirmation as a tactic for recruiting inactive women into exercise interventions. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2021; 14:294-310. [PMID: 34478611 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Recruitment of insufficiently active individuals into exercise interventions is difficult due to many different barriers, including motivational barriers and negative body image. The present study provided an initial conceptual test of whether self-affirmation can help increase recruitment of insufficiently active women to an exercise intervention. Emerging adult women were randomly assigned to complete a self-affirmation or control task prior to reading the same message concerning the consequences of inactivity. In addition to completing demographic and body image measures at baseline, U.S. undergraduate participants (N = 254) indicated their interest in registering for an intervention and their intention to exercise after the experimental manipulation. Data did not support hypotheses that (1) self-affirmed women would find the message less threatening and less manipulative, (2) self-affirmed women would have higher intentions to exercise, (3) self-affirmed women would be more likely to register interest for a future exercise intervention, and (4) condition and body dissatisfaction would interact such that the intervention would be particularly beneficial for women with high body dissatisfaction. Results revealed that 70% of participants were unwilling to register for an exercise intervention, which indicates that other novel exercise intervention recruitment techniques need to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zoie Green
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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Chen WJ, Nelson AM, Johnson HB, Fleming R. Effects of self-affirmation on emotion and cardiovascular responses. Stress Health 2021; 37:201-212. [PMID: 32954655 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Self-affirmation is the act of focusing on important aspects of the self, such as personal values and characteristics. We used a within-participants design (N = 125) to examine cardiovascular reactivity and self-reported affective responses to the practice of self-affirmation. In the self-affirmation condition, we asked participants to write about their top-ranked personal value for 5 min and used a writing exercise unrelated to personal values in the control condition. The International Affective Picture System was used to induce positive and negative emotion. Results showed that participants had greater high frequency heart rate variability and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) when practicing self-affirmation. During negative emotion induction, self-affirmation also led to lower maximum heart rate, higher RSA, and lower ratings of negative affect. Our findings suggest that the act of focusing on an important aspect of self has beneficial effects on psychological and physiological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ju Chen
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas, USA
| | - Alese M Nelson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Hanna B Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Raymond Fleming
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Zhu X, Yzer M. Understanding self-affirmation effects: The moderating role of self-esteem. Br J Health Psychol 2021; 26:1016-1039. [PMID: 33641204 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Whether people benefit from self-affirmation in overcoming resistance to health messages may depend on their level of self-esteem. However, extant theories offer rival hypotheses about the role of self-esteem. We pitted these hypotheses against each other, building on the argument that how self-esteem shapes self-affirmation effects may depend on how and when people self-affirm. DESIGN A 3 (Self-affirmation type: value essay, attribute scale, control task) by 2 (Timing: pre-message, post-message) plus 1 (message-only) experimental, between-subjects design. METHODS Participants (N = 422) completed a value essay, an attribute scale, a control task, or no task, either before or after reading a message about health risks of excessive drinking. Participants then completed defensiveness and message acceptance measures. RESULTS Self-esteem moderated self-affirmation effects across different types and timing of self-affirmation. While participants with relatively high self-esteem consistently benefited from self-affirmation, participants with relatively low self-esteem experienced adverse effects from self-affirmation. Self-affirmed participants with high self-esteem showed lower psychological discomfort, lower personal risk discounting, and higher message acceptance than unaffirmed participants, while self-affirmed participants with low self-esteem showed higher psychological discomfort, higher personal risk discounting, and lower message acceptance than unaffirmed participants. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the proposition that self-esteem serves as affirmational resources, which implies that self-affirmation interventions to reduce defensiveness to health messages may be beneficial for people with high self-esteem but less so for people with lower self-esteem. Similar to much other self-esteem research, self-esteem was negatively skewed, which warrants caution in generalization of the findings across all levels of self-esteem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhu
- Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Marco Yzer
- Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Sereno K, Walter N, Brooks JJ. Rethinking student participation in the college classroom: Can commitment and self‐affirmation enhance oral participation? JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Sereno
- Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism University of Southern California Los Angeles CA USA
| | - Nathan Walter
- School of Communication Northwestern University Evanston IL USA
| | - John J. Brooks
- School of Communication Northwestern University Evanston IL USA
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Evans N, Ellett L, Carpenter R, Kingston J. Immediate and short term effects of values-based interventions on paranoia. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2019; 65:101500. [PMID: 31394412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2019.101500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Paranoia is a common, distressing, and persistent experience that can negatively impact on health, wellbeing, and functioning. This study examined the immediate and short term (2-weeks) effects of two values-based interventions, versus a non-values control, on paranoia, as well as the moderating effect of self-esteem. METHODS 171 non-clinical adults were randomised to a value-affirmation and goals task (VAG: clarifying and reflecting on core values and setting value-based goals) (n = 57), a value-affirmation task (VA: clarifying and reflecting on core values without setting value-based goals) (n = 57), or a non-affirmation control task (NAC) (n = 57). Paranoia was assessed at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and two weeks post-intervention (T3). Self-esteem was measured at baseline. RESULTS VAG participants had significantly lower state paranoia scores at T3 than VA (d = .34) and NAC (d = .31) participants. This effect was moderated by trait self-esteem: At follow-up, the differential effect of condition on state paranoia was greatest amongst those with low self-esteem, with the VAG condition being most beneficial for participants with low self-esteem and the VA condition being least beneficial. LIMITATIONS Without a goals only control group it is possible that the benefits of VAG over VA were attributable to setting and achieving goals. Use of a nonclinical sample limits generalisability to clinical groups. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that focusing on a deeply held value and setting goals in line with that value reduced paranoia. This intervention may be most beneficial for individuals with low self-esteem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Evans
- Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, TW10 0EX, Surrey, UK
| | - Lyn Ellett
- Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, TW10 0EX, Surrey, UK
| | - Rebecca Carpenter
- Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, TW10 0EX, Surrey, UK
| | - Jessica Kingston
- Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, TW10 0EX, Surrey, UK.
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Albalooshi S, Moeini-Jazani M, Fennis BM, Warlop L. Reinstating the Resourceful Self: When and How Self-Affirmations Improve Executive Performance of the Powerless. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2019; 46:189-203. [PMID: 31185806 PMCID: PMC6931103 DOI: 10.1177/0146167219853840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Research has found that lack of power impairs executive functions. In the present
research, we show that this impairment is not immutable. Across three studies
and focusing on inhibitory control as one of the core facets of executive
functions, our investigation shows that self-affirmation attenuates the
previously documented decrements in inhibitory control of the powerless (Studies
1-3). We also examine boundary conditions of this effect and demonstrate that
self-affirmation is most effective insofar as the powerless lack self-esteem
(Study 2). Finally, we directly test the underlying process of this effect and
demonstrate that self-affirmation increases an efficacious self-view among the
powerless, which in turn improves their inhibitory control abilities (Study 3).
Overall, we conclude that reinstating an efficacious self-view through
self-affirmation offsets the impairments in inhibitory control abilities of the
powerless and reduces the cognitive performance gap between the powerless and
the powerful.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bob M Fennis
- University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Luk Warlop
- BI Norwegian Business School, Oslo, Norway
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Walter N, Saucier CJ, Murphy ST. Increasing Receptivity to Messages about E-Cigarette Risk Using Vicarious-Affirmation. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2019; 24:226-235. [PMID: 30983518 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2019.1597951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Empirical research has found that self-affirmation that precedes exposure to threatening information can reduce resistance and exert a positive effect on attitudes and beliefs. However, the effortful methods currently used to induce self-affirmation (e.g., writing an essay about an important value) limit its applicability. Informed by narrative persuasion literature, we present an experimental study designed to assess the potential of vicarious-affirmation (i.e., affirmation through a relevant exemplar in a fictional story) to influence perceived risk and behavioral intent among college-age electronic cigarette users (N = 832). Similar to traditional self-affirmation, a story that affirmed its character (by winning an award) before introducing tobacco-related risk information, led to greater perceived risk and increased intentions to stop using electronic-cigarettes. Identification with the character led to more positive self-appraisal, which, in turn, reduced message derogation and enhanced perceived risk. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and applied implications of integrating narrative persuasion with self-affirmation theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Walter
- a School of Communication , Northwestern University , Evanston , IL , USA
| | - Camille J Saucier
- b Norman Lear Center , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Sheila T Murphy
- c Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism , University of Southern California
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Ferrer RA, Cohen GL. Reconceptualizing Self-Affirmation With the Trigger and Channel Framework: Lessons From the Health Domain. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2018; 23:285-304. [DOI: 10.1177/1088868318797036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Self-affirmation—a theory-based technique to affirm the adaptive adequacy of the self—can promote positive behavior change and adaptive outcomes, although effects are variable. We extend a novel framework (Trigger and Channel), proposing three conditions that facilitate self-affirmation-induced behavior change: (a) presence of psychological threat, (b) presence of resources to foster change, and (c) timeliness of the self-affirmation with respect to threat and resources. Using health behavior as a focus, we present meta-analytic evidence demonstrating that when these conditions are met, self-affirmation acts as a psychological trigger into a positive channel of resources that facilitate behavior change. The presence of a timely threat and the availability of timely resources independently predicted larger self-affirmation effects on behavior change, and the two interacted synergistically to predict still larger effects. The results illustrate the conditionality of self-affirmation effects and offer guidelines for when, where, and for whom self-affirmation will be most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Ferrer
- Basic Biobehavioral and Psychological Sciences Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Harris PR, Griffin DW, Napper LE, Bond R, Schüz B, Stride C, Brearley I. Individual differences in self-affirmation: Distinguishing self-affirmation from positive self-regard. SELF AND IDENTITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2018.1504819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter R. Harris
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Dale W. Griffin
- Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lucy E. Napper
- Department of Psychology, Health, Medicine, and Society Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Rod Bond
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Schüz
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Christopher Stride
- Institute of Work Psychology, Management School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Irina Brearley
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Cambon L, Yzerbyt VY. Two routes toward compensation: An investigation into the mechanisms of compensation for high- and low-status groups. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jesp.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Jessop DC, Ayers S, Burn F, Ryda C. Can self-affirmation exacerbate adverse reactions to stress under certain conditions? Psychol Health 2018; 33:827-845. [PMID: 29458267 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2017.1421187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Self-affirmation has repeatedly been shown to reduce adverse psychological and physiological responses to stress. However, it is plausible that self-affirmation could exacerbate negative reactions to stress under certain conditions. The current research explored whether self-affirmation would increase negative psychological responses to a stressor occurring in a central life domain characterised by low levels of control. DESIGN Female participants (Study 1 N = 132; Study 2 N = 141) completed baseline measures of anxiety and mood. They were then randomly allocated to complete a self-affirmation or control task, before reading a narrative documenting a stressful birth and imagining themselves in the place of the woman giving birth. After completing this task, participants again reported their levels of anxiety and positive mood. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Anxiety and positive mood assessed at follow-up. RESULTS Study 1 demonstrated that self-affirmed women experienced increased anxiety and less positive mood at follow-up, compared both to baseline and to women in the control condition. Study 2 revealed that the effect of self-affirmation on outcomes was moderated by fear of childbirth. CONCLUSION These results provide preliminary evidence that self-affirmation may worsen negative responses to stressors under certain conditions and for certain individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna C Jessop
- a School of Psychology , University of Sussex , Brighton , UK
| | - Susan Ayers
- b School of Health Sciences , City, University of London , London , UK
| | - Flora Burn
- a School of Psychology , University of Sussex , Brighton , UK
| | - Corin Ryda
- a School of Psychology , University of Sussex , Brighton , UK
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Churchill S, Jessop DC, Green R, Harris PR. Self-affirmation improves self-control over snacking among participants low in eating self-efficacy. Appetite 2018; 123:264-268. [PMID: 29307498 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals low in eating self-efficacy are at particular risk of engaging in unhealthy eating behaviours, including the consumption of high calorie snacks. The elevated levels of snacking displayed by these individuals can largely be attributed to their experiencing low self-control over the avoidance of such foods (Hankonen, Kinnunen, Absetz, & Jallinoja, 2014). Interventions are thus required to boost self-control over snacking among those low in eating self-efficacy. Self-affirmation has been shown to boost self-control among individuals with depleted resources in other domains (Schmeichel & Vohs, 2009). The purpose of the current study was to test the hypothesis that a self-affirmation manipulation would similarly increase self-control over snacking for individuals low in eating self-efficacy. METHODS At baseline, participants (N = 70) completed measures of dietary restraint and eating self-efficacy. In the main study, participants completed either a self-affirmation or a control task immediately before undertaking a joystick category judgment task that assessed self-control over snacking. RESULTS Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed the predicted significant interaction between eating self-efficacy and self-affirmation, demonstrating that self-affirmation moderated the association between eating self-efficacy and self-control over snacking. Johnson-Neyman regions of significance confirmed that for participants low in eating self-efficacy the self-affirmation manipulation resulted in higher levels of self-control. Unexpectedly, however, for participants high in eating self-efficacy the self-affirmation manipulation was found to be associated with lower levels of self-control. CONCLUSIONS Findings supported the hypothesis that a self-affirmation manipulation would boost self-control over snacking among individuals low in eating self-efficacy. Self-affirmation may thus provide a useful technique for strengthening self-control in relation to the avoidance of unhealthy foods among individuals who find it difficult to manage challenging dietary situations.
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Emanuel AS, Howell JL, Taber JM, Ferrer RA, Klein WM, Harris PR. Spontaneous self-affirmation is associated with psychological well-being: Evidence from a US national adult survey sample. J Health Psychol 2018; 23:95-102. [PMID: 27160152 DOI: 10.1177/1359105316643595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that individuals spontaneously self-affirm, by reflecting on values and strengths, in response to daily threats. We examined the prevalence and demographic and well-being correlates of spontaneous self-affirmation in the general population. Participants ( n = 3185) completed the cross-sectional, nationally representative 2013 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 4, Cycle 3), and answered questions about spontaneous self-affirmation, demographic factors, well-being, and affect. The majority of the population reported spontaneously self-affirming. Black and Hispanic respondents reported engaging in more spontaneous self-affirmation. Engaging in spontaneous self-affirmation was related to greater happiness, hopefulness, optimism, subjective health, and personal health efficacy, and less anger and sadness.
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Demetriades SZ, Walter N. You Should Know Better: Can Self-Affirmation Facilitate Information-Seeking Behavior and Interpersonal Discussion? JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2016; 21:1131-1140. [PMID: 27736420 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2016.1224280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study explores whether self-affirmation has the capacity not merely to reduce the perceived threat associated with health-related information but also to facilitate interpersonal discussion and affect health information-seeking behavior. The context for the study is the ongoing California drought, which serves as suitable context to examine the intersection of self-affirmation and information-seeking behavior because it involves a threatening message (the destructive consequences of the drought) and highlights discrepancies between actual (water waste) and prosocial (water conservation) behavior. Results of a month-long longitudinal panel study demonstrate significant effects of self-affirmation on interpersonal discussion, information seeking, knowledge, and water-conserving behavior across time. Implications for theorizing longer term effects of self-affirmation and practical implications for promoting behavioral change through the enhancement of knowledge and self-esteem are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Z Demetriades
- a Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California , USA
| | - Nathan Walter
- a Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California , USA
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Taber JM, Howell JL, Emanuel AS, Klein WMP, Ferrer RA, Harris PR. Associations of spontaneous self-affirmation with health care experiences and health information seeking in a national survey of US adults. Psychol Health 2015; 31:292-309. [PMID: 26315683 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2015.1085986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Self-affirming--such as by reflecting on one's strengths and values--reduces defensiveness to threatening information, reduces negative effects of stereotype threat and promotes prosociality. These outcomes may promote physical health, highlighting a need to examine the role of self-affirmation in medical and health contexts. DESIGN Data were collected as part of the nationally representative, cross-sectional, 2013 Health Information National Trends Survey. Items were completed by 2731 respondents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Respondents answered questions about spontaneous self-affirmation tendencies, perceptions of providers and health care, involvement in medical appointments, health information seeking and engagement in medical research. RESULTS Spontaneous self-affirmation was associated with more positive perceptions of communication with one's provider, better perceived quality of care, greater likelihood of asking questions in a medical appointment, greater information seeking for oneself and multiple indices of surrogate information seeking (i.e. seeking information for others). Four of eight significant associations remained significant when controlling for optimism. The associations of self-affirmation with aspects of the patient-provider relationship were not modified by factors likely to be associated with stereotype threat (e.g. race or BMI). CONCLUSION Spontaneous self-affirmation was related to positive outcomes in health contexts. Experimental research is needed to further explore the causal nature of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Taber
- a National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Jennifer L Howell
- b Department of Psychology , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA
| | - Amber S Emanuel
- c Department of Community Dentistry & Behavioral Sciences, Southeast Center for Research to Reduce Disparities in Oral Health , University of Florida , Gainseville , FL , USA
| | - William M P Klein
- a National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Rebecca A Ferrer
- a National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Peter R Harris
- d Department of Psychology , University of Sussex , Brighton , UK
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