Winning Either Way: The Effect of Anticipating A Competitive Interaction on Person Perception

Abstract

Prior to competing with a fellow student in an intelligence contest, female undergraduates were given an ambiguous self-description purportedly written by their future competitor. Control subjects also anticipating a competition were given the same description ascribed however to a competitor not paired against them. Results showed that future opponents were seen as having higher levels of competition-related skills and were liked more than were non-opponents. Traits irrelevant to the interaction such as warmth and honesty were not differently perceived by the two groups. This "autistic" perception of an opponent's competitive skills was explained as assisting the subject in preparing for either outcome in the ensuing contest. One's selfesteem would be protected following defeat by a capable opponent, just as one's self-esteem would be enhanced by victory over the same, capable opponent.