Date of Award
1-1-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Psychology
First Advisor
Grace N. Rivera
Second Advisor
Grace N. Rivera
Third Advisor
Joseph D. Wellman
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
When encountering ambiguous situations, individuals may look to their ‘true self’ to help guide their behavior and decisions (see Rivera et al., 2019). Empirical research has demonstrated that the perception of using one’s “true-self-as-guide” is beneficial in eliciting more satisfaction in decisions (e.g., Kim et al., 2021). Self-control conflicts create a unique challenge involving two aspects derived from the self: impulse and self-control. True-self-as-guide may be beneficial in feeling satisfied when navigating these situations. Through two studies, I investigated the effect that perceived use of the true self may have on decision satisfaction under self-control conflicts. Study 1 (N = 305), measured decision satisfaction after participants used either their true self, logic, intuition, or ideal self in a series of hypothetical self-control conflicts. Study 2 (N = 197) utilized a repeated-measures approach to decision-making. Participants used various strategies (i.e., true self, logic, intuition, and no instruction) while making decisions within hypothetical self-control conflicts. In both studies, I predicted that regardless of their decision outcome, those in the “true-self-as-guide” condition will report higher satisfaction than other conditions. I also analyzed potential mediators of this relationship. Contrary to predictions, instructions to use one’s true self as a guide did not result in greater decision satisfaction in this self-control context. However, the perceived use of true self was positively associated with decision satisfaction (Study 1) and true self as guide instructions had a positive indirect effect on decision satisfaction via perceived use of the true self (Study 2). Study 2 revealed other underlying mechanisms that may explain the nuanced relationship between true-self-as-guide instructions and decision satisfaction. This research provides insight into how considerations of one’s true self may be associated with how we feel about the decisions we make in self-control conflicts.
Recommended Citation
Church, Madelyn, "Perceived Use of True-Self-As-Guide and Decision Satisfaction in Self-Control Conflicts" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2927.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/2927