Abstract: Previous studies suggest affirming intrinsic aspects of the self, such as core personal traits, one’s own interests and goals can reduce self defensiveness and improve functions. On the other side, affirming extrinsic aspects of the self, such as achievements and finishing socially imposed goals, can bring the opposite outcomes. The present study aimed at extending the outcome variables in Chinese culture background. Two studies tested the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic self-affirmation using experimental method. First, we explored the participants’ choice between intrinsic and extrinsic self-affirmation in threat and no threat condition. Second, we tested the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic self-affirmation on negative emotion after self threat. Study 1 tested participants’ choice on intrinsic and extrinsic self-affirming essays after threat or no threat condition. Participants were randomly asked to write an intense failure (self-esteem threat condition)or write an impressive thing happened to them (no threat condition). Then participants were asked to choose an essay topic to write. The topics were about affirming intrinsic and extrinsic selves. Intrinsic self-affirming task asked participants to write three qualities they love themselves best, such as personal characteristics, cherished values and interests. Extrinsic self-affirming tasks asked participants to write three achievement or success they experience, such as outstanding achievements, awards and praise from others. The results indicated participants exhibited significantly higher percentage choosing intrinsic self-affirming essay in both conditions. In no threat condition, 28 of 32 participants chose intrinsic self-affirming essay, ?2(1，N = 32) = 18.00，p < .001. In threat condition, 21 of 31 participants chose intrinsic self-affirming essay, ?2(1，N = 31) = 3.90，p = .05. Study 2 explored the effects of affirming intrinsic and extrinsic self on reducing negative emotion after self threat. Participants (college students in grade one)were asked to think about their first calculus exam in college. Participants were asked to evaluate their preparation and their satisfaction on the exam, and evaluated their own calculus ability. The answers of the above items were calculated as their perception of exam threat. Then participants were randomly asked to finish intrinsic self-affirmation task, extrinsic self-affirmation task or no self-affirmation task. Finally participants finished scales about negative self-relevant emotion (proud, pleased with self, ashamed, and humiliated)and negative general emotion (happy, glad, sad, and depressed). The results of regression analysis indicated that the interaction between self-affirmation (intrinsic self-affirmation vs. no self-affirmation) and perception of self threat predicted negative self-relevant emotion (p = .07) and negative general emotion (p = .06). Further regression test indicated although threat perception can significantly predict negative self-relevant emotion in both intrinsic self-affirmation and no self-affirmation situations, but the regression coefficients of the two equations differ marginal significantly. Regression coefficient in no self-affirmation condition was marginal significantly higher than in intrinsic self-affirmation, indicating intrinsic self-affirmation could reduce negative self-relevant emotion for participants with high threat perception. The results about intrinsic self-affirmation on negative general emotion exhibited the similar effect. However, regression analysis indicated there were no relationship between extrinsic self-affirmation, threat perception and negative emotion. The results of two studies indicated individuals could get benefit from affirming intrinsic core traits of self. Especially, intrinsic self-affirmation can reduce negative emotion after high self threat. It can be influenced individuals can get more benefits from intrinsic self-affirmation than extrinsic self-affirmation in Chinese culture background. Thinking of unconditionally accepted self is beneficial activities after threat. Results of Study 2 also indicated extrinsic self-affirmation did not increase negative emotion of participants with high threat perception. The results also indicated extrinsic self-affirmation is not harmful in Chinese background.

Key words: intrinsic self-affirmation, extrinsic self-affirmation, self threat, negative emotion

摘要： 通过两个研究考察肯定内部核心品质和肯定外部成就两种不同自我肯定方式对威胁后个体的影响。研究1发现，无论高威胁还是低威胁情境下，选择内部自我肯定的被试均显著多于选择外部自我肯定的被试。研究2发现，内部自我肯定能够在边缘显著水平上降低高威胁感知被试的自我消极情绪，并能够显著降低高威胁感知被试的一般消极情绪，而外部自我肯定不能达到相似效果。上述结果表明，无论在高威胁还是低威胁情境下，个体都更倾向于选择内部自我肯定；与外部自我肯定相比，内部自我肯定对降低个体高威胁情境下的消极情绪有积极作用。

关键词: 内部自我肯定, 外部自我肯定, 威胁, 消极情绪