The Validity Of The "Fake-It-Till-You-Make-It" Philosophy

MONTREAL, April 13, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Ask any performer or public speaker how they feel before they take the stage, and there's a good chance that nearly all of them will admit to feeling terrified. Even seasoned pros still experience backstage jitters, yet as soon as they step out in the spotlight, they put a smile on their face and walk with their head held high. Essentially, their outer confidence belies the discomfort they feel within. But can you really fake confidence? According to a study by PsychTests.com, people who present themselves as being self-assured, in spite of the doubt they feel, have an easier time navigating the world than people who lack both inner and outer confidence.

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PsychTests' researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 people who took their Emotional Intelligence Test.

For the purpose of their study; however, they focused specifically on a sample of 4,911 people divided into three distinct groups:

• Those who possess both inner and outer confidence
• Those who lack both inner and outer confidence
• Those who lack inner confidence but who give the impression of being self-assured

Comparing each of the groups on different traits and skills related to EQ, PsychTests' researchers discovered that faking self-confidence does have its benefits. Here's where the three groups differed: (Note: Scores range on a scale from 0 to 100).

Openness to Learning

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 87
• Score for unconfident group: 68
• Score for outwardly confident group: 79

Ability to Set and Achieve Goals

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 70
• Score for unconfident group: 43
• Score for outwardly confident group: 68

Self-Motivation

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 81
• Score for unconfident group: 40
• Score for outwardly confident group: 50

Self-Esteem

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 88
• Score for unconfident group: 42
• Score for outwardly confident group: 58

Resilience

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 88
• Score for unconfident group: 49
• Score for outwardly confident group: 63

Coping Skills

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 81
• Score for unconfident group: 52
• Score for outwardly confident group: 64

Adaptability

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 72
• Score for unconfident group: 40
• Score for outwardly confident group: 47

Positive Mindset

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 82
• Score for unconfident group: 42
• Score for outwardly confident group: 56

Self-Awareness

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 81
• Score for unconfident group: 45
• Score for outwardly confident group: 57

Comfort with Expressing Feelings

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 65
• Score for unconfident group: 34
• Score for outwardly confident group: 48

Assertiveness

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 73
• Score for unconfident group: 33
• Score for outwardly confident group: 40

Ability/Willingness to Stand by One's Values and Convictions

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 86
• Score for unconfident group: 65
• Score for outwardly confident group: 74

Contentment

• Score for group with high inner and outer confidence: 79
• Score for unconfident group: 38
• Score for outwardly confident group: 49

"Inner confidence is about believing in yourself and trusting in your ability to overcome any challenge. Outer confidence is about how you present yourself to others - how you express yourself, how you describe yourself, the degree to which you are assertive, even your body language," explains Dr. Jerabek, President of PsychTests. "In general, people with inner self-confidence - what we often refer to as 'self-esteem' - comport themselves in a specific manner. You can tell they're confident because their self-assurance is reflected outwardly. It almost oozes out of their pores. They speak confidently, they make decisions confidently, and everything they do is done with poise."

"Some people can 'fake' their confidence. They are able to push their doubt aside and move forward by simply acting like a confident person would. As our study has shown, pretending to be confident can be effective to some degree: People with a confident demeanor can get through life with greater ease than people who lack self-assurance, both inner and outer. They can still achieve some of their goals, they are moderately resilient, and relatively happy overall;however, like any façade we create, it won't last. So if you're someone who isn't very confident, start by working on your self-esteem first. Work through your self-doubts and hang-ups. Build on your strengths. Invest in some sessions with a therapist or life coach. Once you create a solid inner confidence, it will naturally shine through, and you won't have to fake it anymore."

How's your EQ? Check out https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3979

Professional users can request a free demo for this or any other assessments from ARCH Profile's extensive battery: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/testdrive_gen_1

To learn more about psychological testing, download this free eBook: http://hrtests.archprofile.com/personality-tests-in-hr

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About PsychTests AIM Inc. PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts (see ARCHProfile.com). The company's research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada.

 

SOURCE PsychTests.com