selfdelusions

Self-delusion refers to the pattern of holding beliefs about the self that are not supported by evidence and are maintained despite contradictory information. It can range from everyday rationalizations to more persistent, distorted self-perceptions. In clinical usage, self-delusion is distinct from formal delusions seen in psychotic disorders, which are fixed beliefs that resist reason and are not typically tied to ego-preservation. Self-delusion often serves to protect self-esteem, reduce anxiety, or maintain a coherent self-image.

Self-delusion and self-deception describe related but distinct notions. Self-deception usually denotes the mental process by which a person misleads themselves, whereas self-delusion refers to the resulting belief. Either can be conscious or unconscious to varying degrees, and social feedback can reinforce these beliefs.

Common forms include overconfidence in one’s abilities, denial of shortcomings, optimistic biases that ignore negative data, selective interpretation of information, and illusion of control over uncontrollable events. Cultural and social factors can shape what is deemed plausible about the self, influencing which delusions persist.

Psychological mechanisms include motivated reasoning, confirmation bias, cognitive dissonance reduction, and identity protection. Early experiences, stress, and personality traits may contribute, as can social rewards for maintaining a favorable self-view.

Consequences may include biased decision making, strained relationships, and impaired judgment in work or health. Assessment relies on clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and self-report measures, though self-report may be biased. Treatments focus on increasing awareness of evidence, restructuring beliefs through cognitive-behavioral approaches, mindfulness, and psychoeducation, with care to avoid shaming and to respect autonomy. See also denial, illusion of control, confirmation bias, cognitive dissonance, and self-deception.