Individual Submission Summary
Share...

Direct link:

A Matter of Perspective? How Self-Distancing and Perspective-Taking Influence First- and Third-Person Perceptions

Sun, May 24, 12:00 to 13:15, Caribe Hilton, Grand Salon Los Rosales

Abstract

Third- and first-person perceptions (TPPs/FPPs) are considered as biased judgments. We test whether self-distancing, i.e. adapting to a distanced position towards the self, and perspective-taking, i.e. thinking from another person’s point-of-view, decrease this bias. We apply this notion to the formation of TPPs and FPPs. In Study 1 (n = 790), we measure self-distancing and perspective-taking tendencies and find no support for a relationship with TPPs or FPPs. However, in Study 2 (n = 693) we manipulate both changes in perspective. We find no effects for a desirable media message, and, thus, on FPPs. For an undesirable stimulus, both self-distancing and perspective-taking boost perceived media influence on self. However, contrary to perspective-taking self-distancing also increases perceived influence on others. Thus, only perspective-taking absolutely reduces the bias in TPP compared to a control group. We discuss the mixed findings and their implications for the cognitive and motivational explanation of TPPs.

Authors