Self-Esteem Dynamics Regulate the Effects of Feedback on Ambition
Author(s): Maarit Johnson, Geoffey R. Patching
Abstract: Researchers examining self-esteem functioning typically consider self-esteem either an affective or competence related trait. However, to capture more precisely the role of self-esteem in behavior we need to view self-esteem both as something people hold and as something they strive for, and determine the relation between these aspects. In the present study the consequences of the dynamic interplay between basic self-esteem and competence related self-esteem for people's ambition when receiving positive and negative feedback were examined (N = 40). The results indicate that differences in basic self-esteem determine whether competence as a source of self-esteem entails realistic or unrealistic ambition strategies. Overall, the results suggest that the relation between self-esteem and competence is hierarchical and asymmetrical, such that competence may enhance a good sense of self-esteem but contribute little if basic self-esteem is impoverished. The present view of self-esteem provides a novel framework for further understanding of self-esteem functioning.
Keywords: Self-esteem; Performance & psychology; Psychological feedback; Ambition; Self-perception; Psychology
Pages: 44-58
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