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Global-Specific Incongruencies in Self-Worth and the Search for Self-Knowledge

Michigan State University, cfbawl{at}uxl.eiu.edu

Ann H. Baumgardner

Michigan State University

This investigation examined the effect of an incongruent self-concept on interest in acquiring self-knowledge. Congruent (high global self-esteem/positive specific self-worth and low global self-esteem/negative specific self-worth) and incongruent (low global/positive specific and high global/negative specific) participants who varied in how certain they were of their self-worth were given the opportunity to express an interest in information about their personalities. Those whose global and specific self-worth were incongruent expressed greater interest in learning more about themselves than those whose self-worths were congruent. This effect was qualified by self-certainty: Interest was especially high among incongruent subjects certain of specific self-worth. Evidently, global-specific incongruency and certainty of it are motivating factors in the search for self-knowledge. The findings suggest specific processes that may allow individuals to cope with such incongruency.

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