Handbook of Self-Enhancement and Self-Protection

This is the first major volume dedicated to the processes by which people exaggerate their virtues, deemphasize their shortcomings, or protect themselves against threatening feedback. Leading investigators present cutting-edge work on the key role of self-enhancing and self-protective motives in social perception, cognition, judgment, and behavior. Compelling topics include the psychological benefits and risks of self-enhancement and self-protection; personality traits and contextual factors that make certain individuals more likely to hold distorted views of the self; innovative approaches to assessment and measurement; and implications for relationships, achievement, and mental health.

A remarkably comprehensive review and analysis of a vibrant area. The volume is stunning in its breadth and depth, integrating the rich tradition of theory and research on self-enhancement and self-protection with cutting-edge developments in social neuroscience, social cognition, and interpersonal relations. Equally impressive, the Handbook bridges basic research and real-world applications, addressing clinical, health, and social policy implications. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this is an invaluable resource for students and specialists alike.--June Price Tangney, PhD, University Professor of Psychology, George Mason UniversityThis unique volume teases apart two psychological motives that are often confused. Contrasting these motives in one well-integrated book makes it abundantly clear that two distinct mechanisms are involved. The editors have solicited an all-star roster of contributors who complement each other interestingly. A broad range of perspectives are represented, from neurological substrates to cultural differences.--Del Paulhus, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, CanadaHow do people go about enhancing their favorable views of themselves? How do they protect themselves against losing face and losing self-esteem? This excellent book provides a rich and thought-provoking survey of research on these questions. The drive to make a good name for oneself and protect it from disparagement underlies a wide range of human strivings, from high achievements to the deepest excesses of interpersonal evil. This book has much to offer anyone interested in human nature.--Roy F. Baumeister, PhD, Francis Eppes Professor of Psychology, Florida State University- An edited, scholarly book focusing on strategies people use to improve or maintain their self-image....Instructors teaching different psychology courses can find interesting topics for class discussions....The editors and authors do an excellent job providing readers with evidence for self-enhancement and self-protection processes. In addition to learning about the most recent findings on this topic, readers of this handbook will glean information necessary to pose new research questions to investigate. --Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 11/19/2010

Mark D. Alicke, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at Ohio University. His main research interests are the psychology of the self—including the role of the self in social judgment, social comparison, and self-enhancement biases—and the psychology of blame and moral judgment. Dr. Alicke has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, as an Associate Editor of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, and is currently Editor of Self and Identity. Constantine Sedikides, PhD, is Professor and Director of the Centre for Research on Self and Identity at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. His research focuses on self and identity and their interplay with emotion and motivation, close relationships, and group processes.