Self-Directed Attention, Self-Esteem, and Causal Attributions for Valenced Outcomes

Abstract

Previous research concerned with whether self-directed attention increases self-attributions has produced inconclusive findings. The present research sought to clarify the issue by proposing that the effects of self-directed attention on causal judgments depend upon the match between the valence of the to-be-explained outcome and the attributer's self-esteem. For positively valued outcomes, it was predicted that self-directed attention would increase self-attributions among individuals with high self-esteem, but decrease self-attributions among individuals with low self-esteem. Conversely, for negatively valued outcomes it was predicted that self-directed attention would decrease self-attributions among persons with high self-esteem, but increase self-attributions among persons with low self-esteem. In two investigations, the predictions for positive outcomes were confirmed with respect to both situationally and dispositionally based variations in attentional focus. However, no effects were found regarding attributions for negative outcomes. Implications of the findings for self-awareness theory are discussed.