Preferences for and evaluation of self-relevant information depending on the elaboration of the self-schemata involved

Previous findings have shown that some reactions (e.g. satisfaction with fe edback) are guided by self-enhancement theory, whereas other reactions (e.g . perceived feedback accuracy) have been shown to follow predictions of sel f-consistency theory. The Integrative Self-Schema Model (ISSM) assumes that these effects should be moderated by the elaboration of the self-schema in volved This assumption was tested in an experimental study. 72 participants received fictitious feedback on different personality dimensions allegedly based on an adjective checklist. This feedback was either consistent with self perceptions, more positive than expected, or more negative than expect ed, and addressed highly elaborated (schematic) or less elaborated (aschema tic) personality dimensions. Satisfaction, feedback accuracy and interest i n further information were analysed as dependent variables. The experimenta l results clearly confirmed the hypotheses derived from the ISSM for satisf action and perceived feedback accuracy. A self-consistency effect regarding perceived feedback accuracy was found only for feedback on schematic dimen sions but was attenuated on aschematic dimensions. A self-enhancement effec t regarding satisfaction was found only on aschematic dimensions. This find ing was level sed on schematic dimensions. Finally, interest in further inf ormation did not follow the predictions made by the ISSM. Copyright (C) 199 9 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.