More May Be Better but There May Be Too Much: Optimal Trait Level and Self-Enhancement Bias.
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| Title: | More May Be Better but There May Be Too Much: Optimal Trait Level and Self-Enhancement Bias. |
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| Authors: | Borkenau, Peter (AUTHOR), Zaltauskas, Katrin (AUTHOR), Leising, Daniel (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Personality. Jun2009, Vol. 77 Issue 3, p825-858. 34p. 4 Charts, 1 Graph. |
| Subjects: | Personality, Personality assessment, Determination (Personality trait), Trait intercorrelations, Dimensions, Research |
| Abstract: | Although one extreme is more desirable than the opposite extreme on most trait dimensions, neither extreme reflects the most favorable level of the trait. Rather, extreme trait levels are usually considered to be less than optimal. Using a round-robin design, 76 groups of 4 persons each described themselves and each other on 30 trait dimensions and indicated the optimal level on each dimension. Moreover, personality inventories and measures of socially desirable responding were administered to the participants for self- and peer descriptions. Associations between trait level and trait level desirability comprised linear as well as curvilinear components. Participants preferred the optimal level in describing themselves, but trait levels beyond the optimal level in describing peers. A new measure of self-enhancement bias is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Personality is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Although one extreme is more desirable than the opposite extreme on most trait dimensions, neither extreme reflects the most favorable level of the trait. Rather, extreme trait levels are usually considered to be less than optimal. Using a round-robin design, 76 groups of 4 persons each described themselves and each other on 30 trait dimensions and indicated the optimal level on each dimension. Moreover, personality inventories and measures of socially desirable responding were administered to the participants for self- and peer descriptions. Associations between trait level and trait level desirability comprised linear as well as curvilinear components. Participants preferred the optimal level in describing themselves, but trait levels beyond the optimal level in describing peers. A new measure of self-enhancement bias is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00223506 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2009.00566.x |
