StudyprimarysupportsVerified
Boosting wisdom: Distance from the self enhances wise reasoning, attitudes, and behavior
Ethan Kross, Igor Grossmann · 2012 · Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 141(1), 43-48
Spiritual Evidence Map/Last updated May 10, 2026/Claims v1.0.0-provisional/Sources v1.0.0/Scores provisional
Summary
Experimental work showing that adopting psychological distance from oneself can improve wise reasoning, attitudes, and behavior in personally meaningful situations.
Why it matters here
Supports the limited psychological version of 'higher self': people can access wiser self-perspectives without requiring a separate metaphysical self.
Editorial note
Supports self-distancing as a reasoning tool, not the literal existence of a separate higher self.