Individual Differences and the Escalation of Commitment Paradigm.

The individual-differences dimensions of repression-sensitization and locus of control were studied in relation to the phenomenon of escalation of commitment. The high-responsibility and negative-feedback condition of Staw's (1976) original design was employed. No escalation of commitment was observed. Sensitizers and externals both reduced the funds allocated to the previously chosen division following negative feedback. Repressors and internals were not influenced by the negative feedback and allocated a similar amount to each of the two divisions. Contrary to previous findings, the results indicate that high-responsibility individuals may either reduce or maintain, rather than escalate, their commitment to previously chosen courses of action following negative feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]