Merry is normally a very quiet person who remains somewhat quiet during conversations and social settings. Merry is also the reigning national debate club champion. According to the Trait Activation Theory, what happens to Merry at competitions? Merry stops pretending to be shy. Being at the competition causes Merry to draw on normally unused traits. Being at the competition causes Merry to internalize. She becomes highly narcissistic and is rude to the other competitors. Merry wins by not saying much.