Positively Biased Self-Perceptions: Who Has Them and What are Their Effects?

This study examined demographic and social competency characteristics of children who hold overly-positive self-perceptions of their social acceptance (positive bias). The effects of holding positive bias on aggressive and depressive symptoms were examined in a sample that excluded children on the extreme negative end of the bias continuum. Measures of peer-rated and self-perceived acceptance were obtained for 366 children in the 3rd through 5th grades. Peer-rated aggressive behavior and self-reported depressive symptoms were also collected. Results demonstrated sex, ethnicity, and social preference were uniquely associated with positive bias. Positive bias was related to aggression beyond the effects of social preference. Positive bias was not related to depressive symptoms. This study clarified who is likely to hold positive bias and replicated findings that suggest positive bias is a risk factor for aggressive outcomes. The idea that positive bias is neither a risk nor protective factor for depressive symptoms is discussed.