What does the term 'self-serving bias' specifically imply about self-evaluation?

The term 'self-serving bias' refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute their successes to internal factors, such as their own abilities or efforts, while attributing failures to external factors beyond their control. This cognitive bias helps individuals maintain a positive self-image and protect their self-esteem.

In the context of self-evaluation, this means that when people succeed, they tend to believe that their own qualities or actions were responsible for that success. Conversely, when they experience failure, they are more likely to blame outside circumstances or the actions of others rather than acknowledging their own potential shortcomings. This protects their self-esteem by allowing them to view themselves positively in the face of achievements while deflecting blame away from themselves in the case of setbacks. Thus, the emphasis on individual failures being attributed to external factors is a key aspect of self-serving bias.