Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Christian Jordan

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

Implicit self-esteem has recently been the focus of much research. Implicit self-esteem is distinct from explicit self-esteem and uniquely contributes to the prediction of behaviour. Relatively little is known about the nature of implicit self-esteem, however. This research examines moderators of the relation between implicit self-esteem and self-reports of self-esteem. A stronger focus on intuition was expected to increase the relation between implicit self-esteem and self-reports of self-esteem. Study 1 concerned whether high faith in intuition was associated with self-reports of self-esteem that more closely reflect implicit self-esteem. Implicit self-esteem, explicit self-esteem, and faith in intuition were measured. This study revealed that the state self-esteem of highly intuitive people corresponded more closely to their implicit self-esteem compared to those who rely on intuition less. Study 2 was intended to more directly test whether heightened intuition causes self-reports of self-esteem to reflect implicit self-esteem. A manipulation of intuitive or rational mindset was designed to induce some participants to focus more on intuition. In the intuitive condition, but not in the rational condition, speeded self-evaluations reflected implicit self-esteem. The findings from these studies suggest that implicit self-esteem may be preconscious and may be associated with intuition. Implications for how implicit self-esteem is experienced are discussed.

Convocation Year

2006

Convocation Season

Spring

Included in

Psychology Commons

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