ABSTRACT
The effects of a self-validation need have been interpreted conceptually in terms of the resolution of a self-evaluation conflict. Competitive behaviour functions to raise the self-evaluation or to avoid a loss of self-evaluation. The effectiveness of the experimental inducement of high or low self-evaluation in terms of basic creative potential and personal effectiveness was checked by examining the subject's general personal attractiveness in his own eyes. To check on the success of the experimental induction of self-evaluation, the subjects rated themselves on twenty scales, each of which described eight degrees of a personality trait. It may be impossible to ascribe competitive choice behavior unequivocally to the need to maintain a valid self-evaluation as long as there is any risk of loss or lack of reward involved. The effect of self-evaluation upon competitiveness can occur by way of the self-validation motive.
