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Dissertation Information for Mary V. Spiers

NAME:
- Mary V. Spiers
- (Alias) Mary Virginia Spiers

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Psychotherapy

SCHOOL:
- University of Alabama (USA) (1987)

ADVISORS:
- Debra McCallum

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- None

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Inspected

Title: Analysis of the self-schema as a central reference point in processing information about others

Abstract: Responses to positive, negative and control feedback manipulations in self- and other-processing were explored using reaction time and recall measures. Subjects' self-ratings on bipolar personality and emotional dimensions with socially desirable and socially undesirable endpoints were collected. Following feedback, response latencies for self-ratings and other-ratings were assessed. Experiment 1 was a replication and addition to Lewicki (1984). Results indicated that the pattern of yes-no-response latency interacted with the social desirability of initial and postfeedback self-ratings in a similar manner. Response latency patterns indicated that ratings of self interacted with the social desirability of trait dimensions while ratings of others did not. Latency level for both self- and other-ratings was faster for those receiving positive feedback and slower for those who were given the impression they were unique. In Experiment 2, the strength and clarity of negative feedback was increased, in order to better study Lewicki's theory of defensive responding, the relationship between self- and other-processing, and the personality variable of self-monitoring. Results indicated that the type of negative feedback employed in Experiment 2 provided a stronger differentiation between feedback conditions than in Experiment 1. This resulted in a close replication of Lewicki (1984) when other-ratings were considered and produced a somewhat different pattern of other-ratings than Experiment 1. However, consideration of consistent and inconsistent responding did not categorically support Lewicki's notion of defensive responding after negative self-feedback. Instead, a defensive reaction in which one may project negative schemata onto others was suggested. Self-monitoring response latency and recall data suggest high self-monitors may be schematic for emotional material showing quick processing for affectively neutral stimuli, slower processing, for affectively threatening stimuli and greater overall recall for emotional material than low self-monitors. Conclusions suggest some support for the self-schema as a central reference point through which processing of others is first directed in conditions where threat to the self is presented. Evidence is not as clear as to the role of the self in processing information about others where threat is not involved.

MPACT Scores for Mary V. Spiers

A = 0
C = 2
A+C = 2
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2010-10-02 20:00:49

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