Abstract
According to the self-regulation model proposed by Carver & Scheier (1981, 1985), self is supposed to be divided into public-self and private-self and if a person focuses attention on either aspect of self, then the information process related to that aspect will be activated. The purpose of the present study was to show it by steps; seeking information, accepting information, comparing with standards, and reducing discrepancy. In the experiment subjects were given feedback opposed to their self-images and given a chance to compensate for it. In congruent condition, public self-conscious subjects received public-self related feedback and private self-conscious subjects received private-self related feedback. In incongruent condition, public self-conscious subjects received private-self related feedback and private self-conscious subjects received public-self related feedback. Results showed that participants sought information concerning the aspect of the self on which they focused attention and congruent group tried to reduce discrepancies more than incongruent group. Implications for the future research on self-regulation were also discussed.
