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Chapter prepared for In P. Van Lang, A. Kruglanski, E.T. Higgins (Eds.) Handbook of Theories of Social Psychology. Self-verification theory William B. Swann, Jr. Author note: I thank Rebecca Caldwell and Tory Higgins for helpful comments on an earlier draft of the article. Correspondence should be addressed to William Swann, UT Dept of Psychology, 1 University Place, 108 E. Dean Keeton, Austin, Texas 78712-0187 Email: swann@mail.utexas.edu. Abstract Self-verification theory proposes that people prefer others to see them as they see themselves, even if their self-views happen to be negative. For example, those who see themselves as likable want others to see them as such, and people who see themselves as dislikable want others to perceive them that way. Presumably, people seek self-verification because self-verifying evaluations make the world seem coherent and predictable. In addition, self-verifying evaluations smooth social interaction by guiding action and letting people know what to expect from others. People strive for self-verification by gravitating toward interaction partners and settings that seem likely to provide self-confirming evaluations. Moreover, once in relationships, people actively evoke self-confirming reactions from their partners. Finally, people process feedback about themselves in ways that promote the survival of their self-views. In general, self-verification strivings are adaptive and functional, as they foster feelings of coherence, reduce anxiety, improve group functioning and erode social stereotypes. Nevertheless, for those who possess inappropriately negative self-views, self-verification may thwart positive change and make their life situations harsher than they would be otherwise. In this chapter, I discuss the nature, history, and social implications of self-verification theory and research. Self-verification theory It all started with a seven year old boy named Tommy. I met Tommy while working at a camp for underprivileged c