The two-factor model of social desirability: Relation to coping and defense, and implications for health

Recent research has questioned whether two components of social desirability, impression management (IM) and self-deception (SDE) are reflective of conscious and unconscious processes. This paper examines if IM and SDE, as measured by the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR-6), are differentially related to measures of coping strategies, defensive mechanisms, and self-efficacy. In addition this paper will analyse associations between these constructs and health complaints as measured by the Subjective Health Complaints Inventory. A student sample (N = 237) completed the BIDR-6, the General Self-efficacy Scale, the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale, CODE, and the SHC. A factor-analysis of these scales revealed five dimensions. The factor structure did not support the hypothesis that SDE would cluster with defense scales, and that IM would cluster with active mastery-oriented coping strategies. SDE loaded on an active coping factor as did self-efficacy and three coping strategies; active problem-solving, depressive reactions and comforting cognitions. IM and MC loaded on a separate factor other-deception. Both active coping and other-deception were negatively related to subjective health complaints. The results question the widespread practice of applying social desirability measures as indicators of psychological defense and the interchangeable use of these constructs in the literature.