A self-serving bias is a cognitive or perceptual distortion that enhances self-esteem by viewing oneself in an overly favorable light. This bias leads individuals to attribute their successes to personal abilities and efforts while blaming external factors for their failures. Such tendencies protect self-esteem but can perpetuate errors in judgment and perceptions of reality.
For example, a student who receives a good grade may attribute it to their intelligence and hard work, whereas if they receive a poor grade, they might blame the teacher or the test's unfairness. This illustrates the self-serving bias in action.
To overcome self-serving bias, individuals can consciously seek out feedback on their performance and acknowledge both strengths and weaknesses, fostering a more balanced view of themselves.