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.

Cite this

Kathleen D. Vohs, Todd F. Heatherton (2001). Self-esteem and threats to self: Implications for self-construals and interpersonal perceptions.. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-3514.81.6.1103

@article{d2001selfesteem,
  title  = {Self-esteem and threats to self: Implications for self-construals and interpersonal perceptions.},
  author = {Vohs, Kathleen D. and Heatherton, Todd F.},
  year   = {2001},
  journal = {Journal of Personality and Social Psychology},
  doi    = {10.1037//0022-3514.81.6.1103}
}

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