OVERLY POSITIVE SELF-EVALUATIONS AND PERSONALITY - NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS FOR MENTAL-HEALTH

The relation between overly positive self-evaluations and psychologica l adjustment was examined. Three studies, two based on longitudinal da ta and another on laboratory data, contrasted self-descriptions of per sonality with observer ratings (trained examiners or friends) to index self-enhancement. In the longitudinal studies, self-enhancement was a ssociated with poor social skills and psychological maladjustment 5 ye ars before and 5 years after the assessment of self-enhancement, In th e laboratory study, individuals who exhibited a tendency to self-enhan ce displayed behaviors, independently judged, that seemed detrimental to positive social interaction. These results indicate there are negat ive short-term and long-term consequences for individuals who self-enh ance and, contrary to some prior formulations, imply that accurate app raisals of self and of the social environment may be essential element s of mental health.