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Exploring the nomological network of self-presentational defensiveness in self-reports and personal narratives

delete2026-05-23
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PRE
AI
C
Chris Sciberas *
M
Marc A. Fournier
DOI:10.1016/j.jrp.2026.104709delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The present work used both self-reports and autobiographical narratives to determine how self-presentational defensiveness, defined as the denial of accountability or the deflection of blame for negative outcomes, is related to personality functioning. Defensiveness in autobiographical narratives was negatively associated with meaning-making (i.e., growth, learning, integration) and redemption (i.e., negative beginnings, positive endings). Self-reported defensiveness was strongly positively associated with identity disturbance and general interpersonal problems. The present work thus extends the nomological net of self-presentational defensiveness by demonstrating how people's general tendencies to act defensively as well as the specific defensiveness that people manifest when narrating difficult life experiences are both linked to maladaptive personality functioning.
Keywords:
Defensiveness
Identity disturbance
Interpersonal problems
Autobiographical memories
Narrative methods

Journal

Journal of Research in Personality cover
Journal of Research in Personality
IF:
3.1
Papers:
134
Citations:
1.1W

Organization

U
university of toronto
Scholars:
14.5W
Papers: 11.9W
Citations: 165
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