Which of the following best describes what is meant by temporal self-appraisal theory?
A) People need a long period of time to fully develop evaluative appraisals of their self-concepts
B) People tend to disparage their past selves in order to make more favorable social comparisons with their more recent selves
C) People tend to have unreasonably optimistic aspirations for their future selves
D) All of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Temporal self-appraisal theory suggests that people tend to make more positive self-evaluations of their current selves in comparison to their past selves, referred to as "temporal comparison." This is partly due to the fact that people have a more vivid recollection of their recent past and may also have a desire to enhance their social standing by making favorable comparisons to others. Option A is not quite accurate, as temporal self-appraisal does not necessarily require a long period of time. Option C is not supported by the theory, as it suggests unreasonably optimistic aspirations, when in fact people often make negative comparisons of past and present selves. Option D is incorrect, as option A is inaccurate and option C is not supported by the theory.

Which of the Following Best Describes What Is Meant by Temporal