The role of perceived specificity level of failure events in self-enhancement and in constructive self-criticism

Three studies tested the role played by perceived specificity level of failures in self-enhancement and in constructive self-criticism. The first study demonstrated that perceived specificity level of events can serve as a self-protection mechanism (N = 137). The second study, based on retrospective reports of past failures and their implications, showed that perception of failures as specific induced a higher level of constructive self-criticism (N = 171). The third study tested reactions to failures induced in the laboratory. It was found that self-improvement processes are more pronounced and negative emotional reaction is weaker in failures that are specific (shape perception test) than in those that are global (intelligence test). Statistical control over perceived severity of the failure diminished the difference between the two conditions in negative emotional reaction but not in self-improvement (N = 84).