Interpersonal affirmation and self-authenticity: A test of Rogers's self-growth hypothesis -DiDonato & Krueger (in press)

Interpersonal relationships, specifically romantic attachments, are often identified as affecting an individual’s well-being. Certain characteristics of the self, particularly self-authenticity, are also understood as influencing human flourishing. Integrating these two perspectives, the current research builds on Rogers’s (1961) notion that a close, supportive relationship can foster positive changes in the self. We propose and test a model that connects patterns of interpersonal affirmation (as described by the Michelangelo phenomenon) with increased self-authenticity. The results show that interpersonal processes have an effect on the self, promoting (or inhibiting) self-authenticity inasmuch as an individual perceives (or does not perceive) partner affirmation. How the model and its empirical support informs our understanding of the interplay between self and relationship is discussed.   (manuscript submitted)  

The Surprising Effect of Facial Appearance on Political Decision Making -  DiDonato, 2008

Why are you voting for Obama?  Why McCain?  Is it because of his social policies?  His position on the economy?  Or are you voting for him because he just looks like he could do a good job?  Believe it or not, candidates’ facial appearances can have a powerful effect on your voting decision.  In this article, I review recent research that explores the way candidates’ faces influence their appeal, focusing on facial similarity and facial competence. Evidence suggests people prefer candidates who look like them, and they use this visual information as a cue to guide their voting.  People also prefer competent-looking candidates, so much so that just looking at a candidate’s picture and rating his competence can predict whether he will win an election with surprising accuracy.  If you’ve ever felt that politics is inaccessible, this article will bring light to some of the cognitive heuristics, or mental shortcuts, that may be influencing your final vote.