Illusions of Unique Invulnerability: Implications of Selection of Military Personnel for Risky or Hazardous Duties,
Abstract
People tend to maintain certain positive illusions about themselves and their futures that may be adaptive in buffering their self-esteem and feelings of efficacy from the effects of negative or threatening feedback. One of these beliefs, the illusion of unique invulnerability, is the expectation that others will be the victims of misfortune and negative events more so than oneself. One possible implication of holding this belief is that if a false sense of security is fostered, actual vulnerability to experiencing negative events that one has control over might be increased if self-protective behaviors are decreased. Alternately, people may feel uniquely invulnerable because they practice precautionary behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of the relationship between military cadets beliefs in unique invulnerability and assumption of risk in behavior while rappelling.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 17, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP006951
Entities
People
- Kristen M. Vance
Organizations
- United States Air Force Academy