On the Road to the Unconscious Self: Understanding when People Gain Self–knowledge of Implicit Disgust Sensitivity from Behavioural Cues

Abstract

On the basis of an integration of dual-process models of information processing and the lens model framework of person perception, we conducted two studies to investigate whether self-perceivers could detect their implicit disposition from video feedback of behavioural cues and whether these cues were used for explicit dispositional inferences under conditions that maximized the presumed self-perception process. Using an approach that differed from previous research, we used the following: (i) a more detailed and stepwise self-perception procedure; (ii) a specific explicit measure compared with a global explicit measure; and (iii) disgust sensitivity as a domain with clear, unambiguous cues and an assumed low self-presentation bias. The results from two studies (N = 117 and N = 130) on disgust sensitivity provide the first evidence for the assumed process with regard to bodily reaction cues but not with regard to facial expression cues. These novel findings suggest that people can get to know their unconscious selves better if supporting conditions are met and the right behavioural cues are attended to. Additional boundary conditions of this selfperception process were investigated using display rules and need for closure in Study 2.

Integrating Personality Structure, Personality Process, and Personality Development

“…Talkative behaviour might be attributed to consumption of alcohol, and interpreted as a behaviour that is atypical of one's perceived shyness (low extraversion), in order to maintain the perceived trait level of shyness. Different goals of self-perception, and accordingly reflective processes, help to explain why repeated state levels do not necessarily translate into matching changes in self-reported trait levels of personality characteristics (Hofmann, Gschwendner, & Schmitt, 2009;Zinkernagel, Hofmann, Gerstenberg, & Schmitt, 2013).…”

“…For example, changes in associative and reinforcement patterns likely contribute to the development of implicit personality characteristics (Gawronski & Bodenhausen, 2006). By triggering state levels that are accessible for self-reflection, these processes can also lead to change in explicit self-concepts of personality (Zinkernagel et al, 2013), which in turn can shape behaviour through action plans and behavioural intentions (Schmitt et al, 2015). Similarly, goals to change behaviour can be strengthened when displaying alternative behaviours has positive consequences.…”

Daily life processes predict long-term development in explicit and implicit representations of Big Five traits: Testing predictions from the TESSERA (Triggering situations, Expectancies, States and State Expressions, and ReActions) framework.

“…Wood & Neal, 2007). The repeated activation of particular combinations of states and people’s self-concept could also contribute to the development of implicit associations within the associative memory, H3.3 in Table 1 (Back & Nestler, 2016; Back et al, 2009; Higgins, 1996; Wrzus, 2020; Zinkernagel, Hofmann, Gerstenberg, & Schmitt, 2013). Aside from implicit learning, reinforcement learning should contribute to long-term trait development (Wrzus, 2020; Wrzus & Roberts, 2017).…”

Measuring citizens’ implicit and explicit attitudes towards the European Union

“…For example, self-observation of own uncontrolled reactions to an object are assumed to provide the individual with information on her implicit attitude towards it so that she can integrate these aspects into the explicit attitude (e.g. Zinkernagel et al, 2013). Additionally, conscious repetition of evaluative responses to an object may trigger automation, as studies on reductions in implicit race bias due to training seminars suggest (e.g.…”