The effect of competitive tasks on liking of self and other

To investigate changes in how people like themselves and their partners after working together, 32 participants (8 male pairs and 8 female pairs) worked in competitive and noncompetitive conditions. The final 4 block designs from the WAIS constituted the task. Likability was measured by rating self and partner, using the 30 most meaningful words from the Anderson Likableness Rating Personality-Trait Word List. Participants were tested before and after the task. As hypothesized, competitors liked themselves and their partners less than noncompetitors (p < .01). Significant sex differences, especially a male “loser effect” were also found.