Compensation between competence and warmth in strategic self-presentation

• Research has noted two fundamental dimensions in our perceptions of others; warmth, concerning intent, and competence reflecting ability. Studies suggest that these dimensions are often negatively related, the compensation effect (Yzerbyt, Provost & Corneille, 2005). Extant research has focused on compensation in judgments of others (Kervyn, Yzerbyt, & Judd, 2010). In three experiments, the current project investigates people’s use of compensation between warmth and competence when self-presenting to reach a desired goal. We examined participants’ self-presentational strategies during a hypothetical job interview, and in the role of witnesses or suspects in a crime investigation. When competence is critical, as for job applicants and witnesses, people not only stress their competence, but also downplay their warmth, whereas in contexts where warmth is important, as for suspects, competence is downplayed. Findings suggest self-presenters are sensitive to warmth-competence dynamics in social perception.. Future research should detail situational and individual factors moderating the effect.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

self-presentation

compensation effect

gender

Psychology

psykologi

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)