Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Narcissistic Self-Enhancement, Harry M. Wallace

Psychology Faculty Research

Self-enhancement encompasses motives and self-directed effort to increase the positivity of one’s self-concept or public image. Self-enhancement concerns are often distinguished from orientations toward self-assessment—seeking either diagnostic self-related information (flattering or otherwise), and self-verification—seeking confirmation of existing self-views (e.g., Sedikides,1993; Swann, 1990). Distinctions are also typically drawn between self- enhancement and self-improvement motives. Although identifying and addressing one’s personal shortcomings could improve long-term self-enhancement prospects, the self-enhancement label is usually reserved for circumstances in which priority is placed on enhancing the status of one’s present self rather than one’s future self (e.g., Taylor, Neter, & Wayment, 1995). Self-enhancement striving is …