Does Self-Complexity Predict Dishonest Behavior Via Cognitive Dissonance?

Psychologists disagree about what, if any, benefit high self-complexity might provide. Although Linville (1987) demonstrated that high complexity buffers against stress, other studies have found that it leads to more negative outcomes in the long term (Diehl et al., 2001). Cognitive dissonance is an important factor in regulating behavior, particularly moral behavior (Aronson, Fried, & Stone, 1999), and may explain how self-complexity leads to negative life outcomes. The present study examined if high self-complexity might buffer against the tension of cognitive dissonance, thus increasing the likelihood of dishonest behavior. Participants completed a selfcomplexity measure, and then they completed a dissonance-rousing task where they must choose between providing honest answers or maximizing their personal gain. Regression analysis showed that high self-complexity predicted greater dishonest behavior, but a disruption of cognitive dissonance could not account for this relationship. The possibility of personality as a potential mediating variable for the established relationship, and avenues for future research, are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Experimental Psychology (M.S.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis (open access)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Heath, William H.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Amy A. Hackney
• William D. McIntosh

• ETD
• Self-complexity
• Cognitive dissonance
• Honesty

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/441

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-1441