Attributive Projection: Test of Defensive Hypotheses

Abstract

On the basis of a defensive model of attributive projection, it was hypothesized that subjects with high self-esteem would project more acknowledged negative traits onto a favorable other than would subjects with low self-esteem. It was also hypothesized that acknowledged negative traits would lead to more anxiety and would therefore be projected more than acknowledged positive or neutral traits. 52 college students described a favorable other and themselves according to a list of trait-rating scales. They also judged whether each of the traits was positive, negative, or neutral. There was a significant positive correlation of .34 between self and other ratings. Although attributive projection occurred, further analyses did not support the hypotheses. Acknowledged positive traits were projected significantly more than acknowledged negative traits.