Self-affirmation improves problem-solving under stress
Creswell, J.D.; Dutcher, J.M.; Klein, W.M.P.; Harris, P.R.; Levine, J.M.
Plos one 8(5): E62593
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1932-6203 PMID: 23658751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062593
Accession: 055699369
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.