Self-Consistency, self-enhancement, and accuracy in reactions to feedback

An experiment tested predictions generated by a model of the role of self-consistency, self-enhancement, and accuracy in reactions to feedback. The model proposed that affective reactions would be dominated by self-enhancement, that attributions and perceptions of feedback accuracy would be dominated by self-consistency, and that self-evaluations and expectations for future performance would reflect both self-consistency and accuracy. One hundred seventy-two subjects received either positive or negative feedback regarding their performance on an anagrams test. Results generally supported the model. Self-enhancement dominated affective responses: Subjects felt better after receiving positive feedback than after receiving negative feedback. Self-consistency effects emerged for attributions and perceptions of feedback accuracy: (1) Those high in self-esteem accepted more responsibility for receiving positive feedback than negative feedback, and they viewed positve feedback as more accurate; (2) Those low in self-esteen accepted more responsibility for negative feedback than positive feedback, and perceived negative feedback as more accurate. Reflecting both accuracy and self-consistency, there were main effects for both feedback and self-esteem on self-evaluations and expectations. Discussion focuses on how this study supports the model, the value of distingushing among different types of cognitive reactions, and the need to explicitly incorporate accuracy concerns in perspectives on reactions to feedback.