The Power of the Myth of Self-Interest

Abstract

(from the chapter) explore the power of the myth of self-interest, showing both that the layperson holds an exaggerated belief in the extent to which self-interest motivates behavior and that this widely shared misconception has important social psychological consequences / [describe] 4 studies that explore people's belief in the motivational power of self-interest / [outline] 4 paths through which the myth of self-interest may exert power over individuals' behaviors [we normalize behavior congruent with self-interest and pathologize behavior incongruent with self-interest, we experience discomfort when we take action incongruent with our self-interest, we fear social isolation when we take actions incongruent with our self-interest and we justify our behavior in terms of self-interest] (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)