Psychology

Motivational factors related to differences in self-schemas

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This research attempts to integrate self-determination theory with the construct of self-schema. Forty-nine schematic subjects (i.e., extreme on a personality dimension) received counterschematic feedback in either an ego-involving or non-ego-involving condition. Subjects’ autonomy versus control orientations were assessed. Results indicated that subjects with higher autonomy orientations changed less in response to counterschematic feedback than those with lower autonomy orientations. As well, subjects in the ego-involving condition changed more in the direction of the counterschematic feedback than those in the non-ego-involving condition. Findings suggest that both dispositional and situational factors account for differences in the degree to which individuals display consistency and self-awareness in processing information about themselves. Results are interpreted as support for the notion that greater autonomy is associated with a higher degree of self-knowledge and self-concept stability. © 1995, Plenum Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved.

Publication Title

Motivation and Emotion

Publication Date

1995

Volume

19

Issue

4

First Page

307

Last Page

327

ISSN

0146-7239

DOI

10.1007/BF02856517

Keywords

autonomy vs control orientations & ego involvement vs noninvolvement, change in self-schema, college students assessed with schematic personality

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