AUTHOR=Kim Sang-Yeon , Sahlstein Parcell Erin 

TITLE=Construct-Validating Humility: Perceptions of a Humble Doctor

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.882622

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2022.882622

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Examining the nature of humility using self-report measures has been a challenging endeavor due to concerns of response biases and the common misconception that equates humility with self-deprecation. Alternatively, this study attempts to validate the construct of humility by assessing subjects’ (N = 553) response to a speech written to represent the core elements of humility as opposed to self-deprecation or unconditional self-underrating. Data show (a) humility comprises a latent construct subsuming accurate self-assessment, open-mindedness, and egalitarianism; and (b) humility outperforms self-deprecation in enhancing perceived sincerity, source credibility, and the intention to interact with the source. Results indicate, particularly for expert sources, humility cues can promote approachability while maintaining perceived expertise.