Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Ria Shah, and I am from Orlando, FL. Currently a senior at Florida State University, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. From a young age, I became acutely aware of how cultural narratives can prevent individuals from seeking help and prioritizing their mental health. Witnessing these challenges across different communities sparked my passion for understanding human behavior through a psychological lens. My long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. with a focus on trauma and depression in vulnerable youth from underserved communities, utilizing biopsychosocial approaches. As a research assistant in the Motivated Social Cognition Lab, I have had the opportunity to explore topics related to gender and racial stereotypes, impression formation, and spontaneous trait inferences (STIs). These experiences have inspired me to create a more inclusive and compassionate environment surrounding mental health. In addition to my academic pursuits, I serve as a mentor in the Psi Chi Honor Society and contribute as an author and committee member for IfYou'reReadingThis (IYRT).

Exploring the Suppression of Intellectual Humility in Honor Cultures

Abstract

Intellectual humility (IH), the ability to recognize one’s knowledge limits and remain open to new information, is essential for critical thinking and decision-making. In honor cultures, where reputation and social standing are prioritized, individuals may be more defensive and less receptive to feedback, specifically when faced with criticism or failure. Fear of failure and insecurity can exacerbate this defensiveness, reducing IH by triggering identity-protective responses. This study examines the impact of cultural values on IH and explores the role of insecurity in this process. We investigate how fear of failure and insecurity influence IH in individuals from honor cultures. Participants were randomly assigned to a critical (failure) or control condition, with emotional impact measured by state anxiety and fear of negative evaluation. We hypothesize that individuals with high honor values will experience a significant decrease in IH when exposed to failure-induced insecurity. Additionally, we predict that insecurity will mediate the relationship between cultural background and IH. Results suggest a significant decrease in IH following the critical condition, with a negative correlation between anxiety and IH. These findings emphasize the intricate relationship between culture, insecurity, and intellectual openness, suggesting the need for interventions to foster IH in vulnerable contexts, such as self-affirmation techniques.

Keywords: Intellectual Humility, Insecurity, Honor Cultures