A Review of Assumed Competence Based on Undervaluing Others

Abstract

    The present article reviews our studies concerning “Assumed Competence Based on Undervaluing Others (AC),” which I, along with other researchers, have conducted to explain a feature of modern youth for nearly ten years.  First, it introduces the studies examining three unique and important features involved in the new concept of AC: classifying AC by self-esteem into competence types, confirming unconsciousness of AC by the relation with implicit self-esteem, and checking whether AC is characteristic for only the youth or not.  Next, the present article reviews our main studies on AC conducted to examine seven aspects of AC.  The studies demonstrate that AC is likely (1) to accompany negative emotions, (2) to form bad interpersonal relations, (3) to be determined by parental behavior and developmental tasks, (4) to inhibit learning and motivation, (5) to bring about problem behavior, (6) to reduce career commitment, and (7) to be explained by cultural difference in each country.  Finally, this article discusses some problems and the need for future studies.