Self-exaltation: showing our positive aspects

Self-exaltation is one of the three motivations related to the evaluation of the Self. We are talking about a motivation that allows us to maintain a positive self-concept. So, In addition to responding to the need to have a favorable image of ourselves, we also strive to present that image to others. Sometimes we do it consciously and explicitly, but also, in many cases, we do it without being aware of it.

If a person’s image has been damaged or hurt in some way, the person may be motivated to repair it. Thus, one of the natural responses may be self-aggrandizement, as a way of trying to compensate or dwarf the negative.

In any case, whether our image has been damaged or not, we need to show our positive aspects, our skills and abilities.. This disposition is not pathological nor does it harm the person’s adaptation to their environment; Yes, as long as it does not break the balance and become a problem or a need that hides a bigger problem. An example is found in work or academic relationships, when excessive self-exaltation can be a sign of low self-esteem.

The Biases of Self-Exaltation

There is a tendency to give causal explanations for one’s own successes or failures.. Maybe we get older and stop asking all the time “Why…?”; However, this does not mean that the origin, causes or reasons for events have ceased to interest us. On the other hand, it is common for us to attribute the successes achieved to our personal characteristics (self-exalting attributions).

On the other hand, and except in certain emotional states that make us more prone to the opposite, it is also very common for us to locate the explanations for our failures in external causes, such as bad luck or the intervention of other people. These are self-protective attributions. The truth is self-exalting motivational behavior has different biases that should be known, to recognize them, especially in oneself. Let’s see them, but first a little test.

A little test

1Failing an examComparing myself to other people similar to me, the fact isMore likely to happen to others than to me1As likely to happen to me as to others2More likely to happen to me than to others32Trying to learn a new skill (cooking, a sport, or a musical instrument)More likely to happen to others than to me me1As likely to happen to me as to others2More likely to happen to me than to others33Missing an important appointment due to forgetfulnessMore likely to happen to others than to me1As likely to happen to me as to others2More likely to happen to me than to others34Losing contact with a good friend with whom you have been friends for yearsMore likely to happen to others than to me1As likely to happen to me as to others2More likely to happen to me than to others35In a large group (more than 5 people) make a funny comment and everyone laughsMore likely to happen to others than to me1As likely to happen to me as to others2More likely to happen to me than to others36That someone will complain about the way you behaveMore likely to happen to others than to me1As likely to happen to me as to others others2More likely to happen to me than to others37Meeting a new person with whom I have a good friendship for yearsMore likely to happen to others than to me1As likely to happen to me as it is to others2More likely to happen to me than to others38Feeling a feeling of great euphoria after a success or achievementMore likely to happen to others than to me1As likely to happen to me as it is to others2More likely to happen to me than to others3

Correction keys

All 1 = -1; All 2 = 0; All 3 = 1

For obtain separately the average score for negative and positive events, Add the scores of all negative items (1, 3, 4, 6) and divide by four. Likewise, add the positives (2, 5, 7, 8) and divide by four.

For negative events: If the mean is greater than zero it indicates the existence of pessimistic biases, and if the mean is less than zero it indicates the existence of optimistic biases.

For positive events: If the mean is greater than zero it indicates the existence of optimistic biases, and if the mean is less than zero it indicates the existence of pessimistic biases.

Important note: the exposure and score of said test has no diagnostic value. It only has expository value and the intention with its inclusion in the article is nothing more than to facilitate a better understanding of the concepts discussed.

The favorable interpretation of the Self

A favorable interpretation of the Self fulfills an adaptive function, although it may be more or less biased. Biases sometimes become necessary to protect precisely the Self, and indirectly keep anxiety at bay. So, It is interesting to ask how many of these biases one can recognize in oneself and to what extent. Knowing self-aggrandizement biases and trying to recognize them in oneself or others helps us manage stress and can even be fun.

They say that in psychology we have even more labeled phenomena than exist. Joking aside, the truth is that On many occasions, the dynamics that we have described go completely unnoticed until we see them written on paper.. And that’s what the game is about. The most common self-exalting biases are:

The false singularity. It is a systematic tendency to think that our abilities and capabilities are very different from those of any mortal.The false consensus. We tend to overestimate the degree to which a majority of people agree with what we think or believe. How many times have we said “let’s ask someone who is supposed to know or be neutral in a debate” and have we been surprised with the answer?The “primus inter pares” effect. This is a very curious effect that occurs much more than we think. It is the tendency to believe that we are superior or better than people similar or equal to us. And the thing is that the majority of drivers, for example, think they are better drivers or commit fewer violations than average…Pluralistic ignorance. It is a dynamic that makes us repress or stop expressing an opinion or emotion because we think that the majority does not share it. It is a bias that results from us overestimating our ability to guess what others think.The Illusion of invulnerability. It reproduces when we underestimate the probability of something negative happening to us.

Looking for what sets us apart

Self-esteem is a person’s attitude and emotion towards himself. It influences how you treat yourself and what you think of yourself. It contains the emotional state derived from his self-concept. In this sense, Seeing ourselves as unique people usually makes us feel good. Let’s remember that we often value more what is difficult to find, that stands out from the rest, even if what makes us different is not a particularly relevant element.

Thus, when people believe that the personal characteristics they value most, those that constitute the backbone of their self-definitionare quite common in others, a greater dose of negativity usually appears in that emotional state called self-esteem.

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