In search of self-knowledge

The self-insight motive describes the dispositional striving for accurate self-knowledge. In the planned research project, inter-individual differences with regard to this motive will be analysed comprehensively and systematically for the first time. Based on a specially developed scale, the nomological network of the motive (relationships to personality and other self-concept variables) will first be analysed.

Its developmental antecedents and cognitive-behavioural consequences are then examined. With regard to the antecedents, the hypothesis is tested that specific personal factors (high epistemic curiosity, strong need for self-improvement) and certain environmental factors (unstable living conditions, individualistic culture) lead to a highly pronounced self-insight motive.

With regard to the consequences, the hypothesis is tested that the self-insight motive promotes increased self-observation and the active seeking of feedback, which in turn leads to people with a high self-insight motive having a more accurate self-view than people with a low self-insight motive.

The research programme is based on a multi-method approach: data is collected in seven empirical studies based on self-reports, external reports, performance tests and ambulatory assessments. Correlative, longitudinal, experimental and intercultural designs are used.