Self-esteem Flashcards
What is self esteem?
A person’s overall self-evaluation or sense of self-worth
> the way people generally feel about themselves
> we use our evaluation of self-esteem to predict outcomes
How is self-esteem typically measured?
Using Rosenburg Self-esteem Scale (RSE; 1965)
What do we self-esteem to predict?
Outcomes of events or situations e.g. if I ask Karen to marry me, will she say yes?
What are the correlates of global self-esteem
Positively correlated with a range of positive outcomes:
> Academic achievement
> Physical health
> Psychological health
In what domains are the correlate findings of self-esteem less clear cut?
In the domain of interpersonal behaviour
> Individuals with high self-esteem report high levels of popularity, however, others didnt agree
What are methodological issues with drawing correlate conclusions to self-esteem?
Shared method variance:
> typically self-esteem and outcome variables are measured using self-report
> correlations are lower when DVs are assessed using objective measures
Correlation doesn’t mean causation:
> need to use longitudinal and manipulational studies
How did the Trzesniewski et al (2006) study address the methodological issues?
They used a longitudinal study:
> measured global self-esteem in early adolescence (age 11)
> At age 26, measured correlate outcomes - mental health, physical health etc
What were the results of the Trzesniewski et al (2006) study?
Results:
> Early adolescent self-esteem levels predicted better adjustment in early adulthood
> even when controlling for confound variables (depression and SES) and
> even for objective measures (criminal records)
What did Baumeister et al (1996) find was the link between self-esteem and antisocial behaviour?
Antisocial behaviour is associated with a particular form of very high self-esteem
It was found that antisocial behaviour was not associated with low self-esteem
How did Baumeister et al (1996) explain the association between very high self-esteem and antisocial behaviour?
The ego-threat model:
Individuals with a very high self-esteem will aggress in response to a threat to their over-inflated and unjust view of themselves.
What is narcissism?
It is passionately wanting to feel well of oneself
> over inflated self-worth
> feeling superior to others
> self centered and entitled
How did Bushman and Baumeister (1998) test the Ego Threat Model?
How?
> IV: Response on their essay; either a) “Worst essay,” ego threat, or b) “No suggestions, great essay,” control
> DV: measure on narcissism and global self-esteem BEFORE essay AND levels on noise blast task
Results:
> Global self-esteem did NOT predict aggression
> Narcissism DID predict aggression
Conclusion:
> Only high self-esteem is dangerous, not low self-esteem
What did Donnellan et al (2005) find regarding self-esteem levels and antisocial behaviour OUTSIDE of the lab?
> Narcissism: POSITIVELY correlated with antisocial behaviour
Global self-esteem: negatively correlated to antisocial behaviour i.e. low self-esteem IS related to antisocial behaviour
What did the lab and real-world results show for Self-esteem and Antisocial Behaviour?
Both:
> Narcissism is correclated to antisocial behaviour
Lab:
> Low global self-esteem is NOT related to antisocial behaviour (Bushman & Baumeister, 1998)
Real-life:
> Low global self-esteem is related to antisocial behaviour (Donnellan et al, 2005)
What is the self-esteem contingency?
Self-esteem is contingent upon particular condition being met
i. e. you choose your own values which you base your self-esteem on AND how much you base on each value
e. g. Academic higher value of self-esteem contingency to IQ level than a NRL player
