Lecture 22 - Self VI (Self-Esteem) Flashcards
What is trait-self-esteem? What does it predict?
A person’s overall self-evaluation or sense of worth (global self-esteem). Predicts academic achievement, physical/psychological health, lower depression, better QOL. High SE is associated with narcissism.
What is the methodological issue of shared method variance?
Self-esteem and the outcome variable are typically both self-report measures. When compared with objective measures, there was a lower correlation between self-report and observer-rated (e.g. on attractiveness).
What are the methodological issues of correlation/causation, and third variable problem?
- More longitudinal study is needed currently.
- Third variable may influence results, e.g. SES impacts self-esteem and life satisfaction.
What did a longitudinal study of trait-SE find?
Trait-SE measured at 11, then assessed on mental health, economic prospects and criminal behaviour at 26. Found that adolescent SE predict better adjustment to early adulthood, when controlling for confounds (mental health, SES) and using objective measures (criminal records).
How are antisocial behaviour and SE related?
Extremely high SE results in a particular form of antisocial behaviour. These individuals have over-inflated and unjustified views of the self, and respond antisocially (aggressively) to self-threat.
What were the lab results on a study on high SE and narcissism/antisocial behaviour?
Given measures of narcissism and SE, then wrote an essay, then received feedback, and then could respond with a noise blast. Found no relationship between SE and aggression, but narcissism was positively correlated with aggression (but not when there was no threat).
What were the real life results on the relationship between high SE and narcissism/antisocial behaviour?
Adolescents and uni students did narcissism and SE measures, then cross-sectional and longitudinal-type analyses were used. Found that narcissism was positively correlated to antisocial behaviour, but that trait SE was negatively correlated to antisocial behaviour.
What explains the difference between real life and lab results?
In the lab experiment, there were no repercussions for being antisocial (noise blast was not observed). Both findings found a positive correlation between narcissism and antisocial behaviour, so narcissism and high SE need to be conceptually separated.
