From being alone to being the only one: Neuroticism is associated with an egocentric shift in an alone context

Objective: This research presents evidence for an egocentric shift occurring among individuals high in Neuroticism by the mere thought—and actual state—of being alone. Method: Four experiments and one experience sampling study (N = 719). In the experiments, Neuroticism was measured, and participants were randomly primed to adopt either an alone or a “with others” social context mind-set. The experiments measured different expressions of egocentrism. Study 1 measured perspective-taking, Study 2a was focused on social value orientation, Study 2b measured money allocation in a dictator game, and Study 3 measured self-reported and behavioral interpersonal trust. Trust was also the focus of Study 4, a 5-day experience sampling study. Results: In an alone mind-set, high (vs. low) Neuroticism individuals were more likely to adopt an egocentric perspective in evaluating social stimuli (Study 1) and to adopt a selfish approach to money allocation (Studies 2a, 2b). Studies 3 and 4 addressed the source of the shift, showing that in an alone mind-set (Study 3) and in an actual alone state (Study 4), Neuroticism was associated with reduced interpersonal trust. Conclusions: For high-Neuroticism individuals, thinking about—and actually being—alone induces a sense that they only have themselves to rely on.