The influence of self-schema on weeping behavior
Stote, Joseph J.
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The influence of self-schema on weeping was explored through the use of adjectives previously judged to be related or unrelated to weeping. Self-ratings and recall of these words were compared for subjects classified as high or low weepers. As expected, high weepers rated weep words significantly higher than low weepers and there was no difference between the two groups in the ratings of neutral words. Contrary to expectations, there was no difference in the recall of weep words between the two groups. The relative ability of three measures (the self- report of past weeping behavior; the self-rating of weeping related adjectives; and the recall of weeping related adjectives) to predict weeping behavior was assessed by comparing these measures with the reactions of subjects after viewing a sad movie. As expected, both self-report and self-ratings were substantially related to weeping behavior. Contrary to expectations, the recall of weep words was unrelated to weeping behavior. Modest support was found for the prediction that words rated as extremely like or unlike oneself would be recalled better than words given more moderate self- ratings. In addition, the relationship of weeping and sex role was investigated. Among females, those classified as feminine sex typed reported the strongest weeping reactions to the sad movie. Among males, those classified as androgynous sex typed reported the strongest weeping reaction to the sad movie.