Developing and Testing a Self-affirmation Manipulation

Abstract

We developed a new manipulation of self-affirmation that is simple to use, can be employed when circumstances prevent pre-screening or using essay-based methods, and has a highly equivalent control task. In the process, we addressed theoretical and empirical questions highlighted in a recent review as requiring attention. In comparison to five controls, the manipulation promoted positive changes on measures designed to test whether people are self-affirmed. It produced a similar pattern on these measures to an existing self-affirmation manipulation. The matched control also performed well. There was no evidence of mediation by mood or state self-esteem or moderation by trait self-esteem. We discuss the potential of the method and associated dependent measures in future self-affirmation research.