Do self-presentation efforts require self-regulatory resources?

Kaitlin M Carmichael, Purdue University

Abstract

We reasoned that for some people to make certain disclosures during an interaction requires self-regulatory resources. In line with expectations, resources were depleted when self-presentations were inconsistent with participants' attachment style response pattern – that is, when avoidant participants made high-intimacy disclosures and ambivalent participants made low-intimacy disclosures. When secure participants made low- or high-intimacy disclosures their depletion level fell between avoidant and ambivalent participants'. In a disclosure choice condition (most participants discussed moderately intimate items) avoidant and ambivalent participants showed typical depletion effects compared to secure participants. Hence, for avoidant and ambivalent participants to override habitual responses and replace them with moderately intimate disclosures requires some resources. In addition, most participants in the choice condition adhered to self-presentation norms by sharing moderately intimate disclosures rather than disclosures reflecting their habitual preferences. The current findings extend our understanding of the relationship between self-presentation and self-regulation within the context of a social interaction.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Tyler, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Social psychology|Communication

COinS