Are positive self-perceptions and optimistic expectations really beneficial in an academic context?

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to discover interrelations between university students' selfperceptions, expectations and academic achievement. This study used a sample of 645 Unisa students, divided into three groups: over-estimators, realists, and under-estimators. The data revealed that, compared with under-estimators, over-estimators (a) expected significantly higher marks; (b) were significantly more confident about their expectations, and (c) perceived themselves to have significantly more ability. Although over-estimators had more positive psychological profiles than under-estimators, they obtained significantly lower marks than under-estimators (47% and 76% respectively) in the examinations. In strong contrast to dominant psychological theories (which posit that a strongly positive self-image leads to achievement) the results of this study suggest that, in a university context (a) poor performance is NOT associated with negative self-perceptions and low expectations, and (b) over-optimistic self-perceptions and high expectations may in fact be maladaptive. Indeed, these results suggest that humble self-assessments may be more conducive to success.