Evaluating the Mathematical Structure of the Self Via Subliminal Manipulation

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to experimentally manipulate Lefebvre's (1985, 2001) mathematical model of self-reflexion via subliminal priming. Lefebvre's model outlines a mathematical structure involved in the cognitive images people form of themselves and others. Two types of subliminal primes were used: mood induction (positive and negative) and interpersonal relationship style (harmonious and antagonistic). One hundred seven participants completed a repertory grid where they rated themselves and 18 other individuals in their lives on unique bipolar constructs (e.g., generous-stingy). Prior to conducting ratings, participants were either primed with a positive mood, a negative mood, a harmonious relationship style, an antagonistic relationship style, or received neutral primes. It was hypothesized that Lefebvre's mathematical model of self-reflexion could be used to predict positive judgment frequencies of the self and others in the repertory grids. The subliminal primes were targeted at altering specific variables within Lefebvre's model; hence affecting the positive judgment frequencies in the repertory grids. The present results generally failed to support the predictions. However, the current findings did replicate previous studies that predicted positive self and positive other frequencies in repertory grids. These results and those from previous studies suggest that the primes were ineffective. Future research should incorporate other types of manipulations, such as conscious priming, to provide a more valid test of Lefebvre's model.