Mechanisms of a spotless self-image: Navigating negative, self-relevant feedback

ABSTRACT

The present research investigated whether the differential recognition thresholds associated with memory for self-relevant negative feedback stem from processes occurring at encoding and/or suppression at retrieval. Socioemotional and monetary incentives offered before and after encoding did not significantly affect recognition thresholds for negative, self-relevant personality feedback (Studies 1–2). However, when presented before encoding took place, the combination of socioemotional and monetary incentives did impact recognition thresholds for negative personality feedback (about another person: Study 2). Differences in memory (rather than concealed knowledge) predicted ERP patterns associated with forgotten negative, self-relevant feedback as early as the encoding stage (Study 3). Results suggest that disrupted processes during encoding may play a role in the differential recognition thresholds associated with memory for negative, self-relevant feedback.

KEYWORDS:

• Self
• social cognition
• self-enhancement
• motivation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Data for all of the reported samples and experiments are available at https://osf.io/k3c69/

Trait stimuli words are available at https://osf.io/q26xu/

Screen shots of experimental protocol available at https://osf.io/9rbhj/

Study 2 pre-registration available at https://osf.io/wy9v6/(Sample 2a) and https://osf.io/w7hb8/(Sample 2b)

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported in part by NSF-BCS [1147776] to J.S.B.