What does self-effacing bias lead individuals to do in terms of success?

Self-effacing bias describes a tendency for individuals, particularly in certain cultural contexts, to downplay their own achievements and attribute their success to external factors rather than their own abilities or efforts. This can manifest in various social contexts, where people feel more comfortable shifting the focus away from personal accomplishments. By attributing success to factors such as luck, help from others, or environmental conditions, individuals reflect a modest view of their contributions.

This behavior can be influenced by cultural norms that value humility and collective effort over individualism. As a result, individuals may not take full credit for their achievements, which emphasizes the role of external circumstances or collaborative support rather than their personal merits. This tendency aligns with the self-effacing bias, highlighting a preference to think of success in terms of wider contexts rather than solely personal attributes.