Abstract
Generalized self-enhancing and self-protective attributional dispositions were investigated by having subjects indicate, in terms of percentage allocations, the extent to which "typical outcomes" in a person's life are determined by (a) the person's abilities, judgments, and actions and (b) factors beyond the person's control. In Study 1, respondents made such allocations with respect to either positive or negative outcomes in their own lives or in the lives of others. Sharp sex differences were evident in the obtained attributional patterns, with males revealing self-serving and females self-deprecating inclinations. Study 2 replicated the procedure of Study 1, with the major exception that the typical outcomes were designated as either "academic" or "social." Evidence for self-serving bias was obtained for both males and females, becoming most clearly apparent where the outcome domain was associated with high sex-related involvement (male-academic; female-social).
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