What is the primary outcome of the self-serving bias?

The primary outcome of the self-serving bias is a tendency to see oneself in a favorable light. This psychological phenomenon occurs when individuals take credit for their successes while attributing failures to external factors or other people. This bias is a fundamental aspect of self-perception, as it protects self-esteem and helps maintain a positive self-concept.

When people experience success, they are likely to attribute it to their abilities, effort, or intelligence, which enhances their self-image. Conversely, when faced with failure, they may shift blame away from themselves, which helps to preserve their self-esteem and prevents feelings of inadequacy. This bias can be seen in various situations, such as academic settings where students might claim good grades result from their hard work but rationalize poor grades as being due to unfair grading practices or other external circumstances.

Therefore, the self-serving bias leads individuals to view themselves more favorably, illustrating a core aspect of human psychology that emphasizes positive self-regard.