SAYING NO, FEELING YES: HOW NAYSAYING BREEDS OVERCONFIDENCE

Abstract: Despite the prevalence of naysayers, little is known about the impact of naysaying on the naysayers themselves. This research explores the psychological consequences of naysaying, demonstrating through five comprehensive studies how it boosts one's sense of control, leading to overplacement—a belief that one is better than others. Studies 1, 2a, and 2b establish a direct link between naysaying and overplacement, attributing this to an increased sense of control. Studies 3 and 4 demonstrate that individuals with lower baseline levels of perceived control, both measured and manipulated, are particularly susceptible to these effects. Cumulatively, our research illuminates how naysaying influences comparative self-assessment and contributes to skewed decision-making, especially among those who consistently feel a lack of control in everyday situations. These findings contribute to our understanding of feedback dynamics, offering a nuanced perspective on the psychological ramifications of critical evaluations.

Keywords: naysaying; overconfidence; sense of control; negativity; lacking control