High, neutral, and low self-esteem were induced in college students who then took part in a mixed motive game. It was hypothesized that induced low self-esteem would result in highly competitive behavior. This prediction was confirmed for the first trial block of 10 trials but no difference in competitive behavior among the 3 groups was observed during the second through fifth trial blocks. The results were discussed in terms of the success of the induction of level of self-esteem, the perceived strategy of the other player, and the way in which the perceived strategy might interact with chronic and induced levels of self-esteem.
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