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Self-Affirmation Improves Problem-Solving under Stress

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  • J David Creswell
  • Janine M Dutcher
  • William M P Klein
  • Peter R Harris
  • John M Levine

Abstract

High levels of acute and chronic stress are known to impair problem-solving and creativity on a broad range of tasks. Despite this evidence, we know little about protective factors for mitigating the deleterious effects of stress on problem-solving. Building on previous research showing that self-affirmation can buffer stress, we tested whether an experimental manipulation of self-affirmation improves problem-solving performance in chronically stressed participants. Eighty undergraduates indicated their perceived chronic stress over the previous month and were randomly assigned to either a self-affirmation or control condition. They then completed 30 difficult remote associate problem-solving items under time pressure in front of an evaluator. Results showed that self-affirmation improved problem-solving performance in underperforming chronically stressed individuals. This research suggests a novel means for boosting problem-solving under stress and may have important implications for understanding how self-affirmation boosts academic achievement in school settings.

Suggested Citation

  • J David Creswell & Janine M Dutcher & William M P Klein & Peter R Harris & John M Levine, 2013. "Self-Affirmation Improves Problem-Solving under Stress," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(5), pages 1-7, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0062593
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062593
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    Cited by:

    1. Mira Bierbaum & Eleonora E M Nillesen, 2021. "Sustaining the integrity of the threatened self: A cluster-randomised trial among social assistance applicants in the Netherlands," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(6), pages 1-21, June.

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