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From being alone to being the only one: Neuroticism is associated with an egocentric shift in an alone context
Author(s) -
Uziel Liad,
Seemann Martina,
SchmidtBarad Tomer
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of personality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.082
H-Index - 144
eISSN - 1467-6494
pISSN - 0022-3506
DOI - 10.1111/jopy.12494
Subject(s) - neuroticism , psychology , experience sampling method , interpersonal communication , egocentrism , perspective (graphical) , social psychology , set (abstract data type) , context (archaeology) , dictator game , interpersonal relationship , interpersonal perception , developmental psychology , social perception , personality , cognitive psychology , perception , artificial intelligence , computer science , programming language , neuroscience , paleontology , biology
Objective This research presents evidence for an egocentric shift occurring among individuals high in Neuroticism by the mere thought—and actual state—of being alone. Method Four experiments and one experience sampling study ( N = 719). In the experiments, Neuroticism was measured, and participants were randomly primed to adopt either an alone or a “with others” social context mind‐set. The experiments measured different expressions of egocentrism. Study 1 measured perspective‐taking, Study 2a was focused on social value orientation, Study 2b measured money allocation in a dictator game, and Study 3 measured self‐reported and behavioral interpersonal trust. Trust was also the focus of Study 4, a 5‐day experience sampling study. Results In an alone mind‐set, high (vs. low) Neuroticism individuals were more likely to adopt an egocentric perspective in evaluating social stimuli (Study 1) and to adopt a selfish approach to money allocation (Studies 2a, 2b). Studies 3 and 4 addressed the source of the shift, showing that in an alone mind‐set (Study 3) and in an actual alone state (Study 4), Neuroticism was associated with reduced interpersonal trust. Conclusions For high‐Neuroticism individuals, thinking about—and actually being—alone induces a sense that they only have themselves to rely on.