PSYC 466 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Positive Illusions, Extraversion And Introversion, Impression Management
6 Oct 2016
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When we first meet others, we jump to conclusions because of stereotypes and primacy effects. Confirmation biases then affect our selection of subsequent data, and overconfidence leads us to put unwarranted faith in our judgments the power of perceptions. Happy partners construct positive illusions that emphasize their partners" virtues and minimize their faults. The explanations we generate for why things happen are called attributions. Partners are affected by actor/observer effects and self-serving biases, and they tend to employ either relationship-enhancing or distress- maintaining patterns of attribution. We edit and update our memories as time goes by. This process of reconstructive memory helps couples stay optimistic about their futures. Dysfunctional relationship beliefs such as destiny beliefs are clearly disadvantageous. Growth beliefs are more realistic and profitable. Our expectations about others can become self-fulfilling prophecies, false predictions that make themselves come true.
