Intersecting the Comparison & Attribution Systems

Abstract

Our Primary Contention in this book is that two systems—the comparison and the attribution systems—jointly determine the dynamics of self-awareness processes. So far we’ve described the basics of both systems. In Chapter 4, we saw how self is juxtaposed to standards, and we discussed the consequences of discrepancies. Perceiving a discrepancy causes negative affect; perceiving congruity causes positive affect. In Chapter 5, we saw how the attribution system connects events to the possible cause most similar on the dimensions of time, space, affectivity, and substantiality, referred to as “the most plausible cause.” But what happens when either self or a standard is the most plausible cause for the experience of positive and negative affect? This is the primary concern of the present chapter.