Question

People are generally motivated to maintain positive self-image. However,

a) discuss when people want to make good decisions and solve problems rationally what problems will arise due to this motive.

b) discuss how this motive is in general adaptive to us

Some points are - Overconfidence on difficult task, Positive Illusion and its function for well-being, Confirmation bias and escalation of commitment

Answer 1

Answer: The positive self image provides confidence to the people and motivates them to accomplish big tasks. But at the same time the positive self image also have certain negative impacts when people want to make good decisions and solve the problems rationally. Some of these issues that are faced because of positive self image are like the people develop overconfidence because of their positive self image. It is because of this reason that they do not take things seriously like they are required to be taken. Similarly because of positive self image, people develop unrealistically favorable attitudes towards themselves. This hampers their rational thinking ability because of a positive self bias and they fail to take rational decisions. The conformance bias also plays a role in decisions that are taken by the people motivated with positive self image as they tend to overlook things that are not according to their thinking. All these factors impact the rational decision making capability of a person in a negative manner.

Having a positive self image up to an extent is natural in all the people. The success creates positive self image and we all tend to be affected by it. Up to a certain degree all of us have a degree of positive self that creates confidence in us. Without it no person can develop self confidence but it is required that this self confidence do not turn into overconfidence. Hence it is important to limit positive self image.