Self-esteem and threats to self: Implications for self-construals and interpersonal perceptions.

Abstract

In 4 studies, the authors examined interpersonal perceptions as a function of self-construals and ego threats for those with high and low self-esteem. Previous research (T. F. Heatherton & K. D. Vohs, 2000a) found that after threat, high self-esteem people were rated as less likable by an unacquainted dyad partner, whereas low self-esteem people were rated as more likable. Study I showed that after threat, high self-esteem people seek competency feedback, whereas low self-esteem people seek interpersonal feedback. Study 2 showed that high self-esteem people become more independent after threat, whereas low self-esteem people become more interdependent. Study 3 linked differences in independence versus interdependence to interpersonal evaluations. Study 4 found that differences in independent and interdependent self-construals statistically accounted for differences in likability and personality perceptions of high and low self-esteem people after threat. Thus, the combination of threat and self-esteem alters people's focus on different self-aspects, which consequently leads to different interpersonal appraisals.

Cites (14)

1. The Social Identity Theory of Intergroup Behavior
   Tajfel, Henri, Turner, John C. · 2004 · Political Psychology
2. Illusion and well‐being: A social psychological perspective on mental health
   Taylor, Shelley E., Brown, Jonathon D. · 1988 · Psychological Bulletin
3. The self and social behavior in differing cultural contexts.
   Triandis, Harry C. · 1989 · Psychological Review
4. The Psychology of Self-Affirmation: Sustaining the Integrity of the Self
   Steele, Claude M. · 1988 · Advances in Experimental Social Psychology
5. Adult attachment, working models, and relationship quality in dating couples.
   Collins, Nancy L., Read, Stephen J. · 1990 · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
6. Self-esteem as an interpersonal monitor: The sociometer hypothesis
   Leary, Mark R., Tambor, Ellen S., Terdal, Sonja K., Downs, Deborah L. · 1995 · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
7. Relation of threatened egotism to violence and aggression: The dark side of high self-esteem.
   Baumeister, Roy F., Smart, Laura, Boden, Joseph M. · 1996 · Psychological Review
8. Is there a universal need for positive self-regard?
   Heine, Steven J., Lehman, Darrin R., Markus, Hazel Rose, Kitayama, Shinobu · 1999 · Psychological Review
9. Development and validation of a scale for measuring state self-esteem.
   Heatherton, Todd F., Polivy, Janet · 1991 · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
10. Cross-Cultural Correlates of Life Satisfaction and Self-Esteem
    Diener, Ed, Diener, Marissa · 1995 · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

Show all 14 references

Cited by (17)

1. Does high self-esteem cause better performance, interpersonal success, happiness, or healthier lifestyles?
   Baumeister, Roy F., Campbell, Jennifer D., Krueger, Joachim I., Vohs, Kathleen D. · 2003 · Psychological Science in the Public Interest
2. The Costly Pursuit of Self-Esteem
   Crocker, Jennifer, Park, Lora E. · 2004 · Psychological Bulletin
3. Making choices impairs subsequent self-control: a limited-resource account of decision making, self-regulation, and active initiative.
   Vohs, Kathleen D., Baumeister, Roy F., Schmeichel, Brandon J., Twenge, Jean M., Nelson, Noelle M., Tice, Dianne M. · 2008 · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
4. Self-regulation and self-presentation: Regulatory resource depletion impairs impression management and effortful self-presentation depletes regulatory resources
   Vohs, Kathleen D., Baumeister, Roy F., Ciarocco, Natalie J. · 2005 · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
5. Normative data for 144 compound remote associate problems
   Bowden, Edward M., Jung-Beeman, Mark · 2003 · Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers

See all 229