The effect of the social evaluation of low self-esteem on personal and relational well-being

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Date
2019-08-29
Authors
Magid, Kirby
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Abstract
There is a pervasive view within North American culture whereby high self-esteem is praised and low self-esteem is devalued (Cameron, MacGregor, & Kwang, 2013). I suggest that these social beliefs undermine the personal and relational well-being of individuals possessing lower self-esteem (LSEs). Such consequences might be a result of LSEs’ being aware of this negative social stereotype, which in turn may engender feelings of shame and anticipated rejection (Cameron et al, 2013). Poor well-being may also be the result of LSEs tendency to conceal this devalued trait (Cameron, Hogarth, & Magid, 2016). The purpose of the present study was therefore to test whether altering the social evaluation of low self-esteem would positively influence the personal and relational well-being of LSEs. One-hundred and fifty-nine undergraduate introductory psychology students and 128 TurkPrime participants were randomly assigned to a social rejection of low self-esteem (SRLSE) condition, a disclosure only condition, or a social acceptance of low self-esteem (SALSE) condition. Contrary to predictions, participants in the SALSE condition did not report higher levels of well-being compared to those in the SRLSE and disclosure only condition. However, results indicated that lower self-esteem was associated decreased personal and relational well-being, replicating previous research. By examining the relationship between self-esteem and well-being, researchers may be better positioned to predict and intervene to improve well-being for LSEs. Further research investigating the relationship between self-esteem, the social acceptability of self-esteem, and subsequent effects on well-being is suggested.
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Keywords
Self-esteem, Social acceptance, Romantic relationships, Well-being, Lay theory of self-esteem
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