The Role of Implicit Mechanisms in Buffering Self-Esteem from Social Threats

2016 ◽  
pp. 1054-1076
Author(s):  
Jordan B. Leitner ◽  
Chad E. Forbes

Previous research has demonstrated that people have the goal of self-enhancing, or viewing themselves in an overly positive light. However, only recent research has examined the degree to which the relationship between self-enhancement goals and outcomes are a result of explicit deliberative mechanisms or implicit automatic mechanisms. The current chapter reviews evidence on unconscious goal pursuit, autobiographical memory, social neuroscience, and implicit self-esteem that suggests that implicit mechanisms play a powerful role in producing self-enhancement outcomes. Furthermore, this chapter reviews evidence that these implicit mechanisms are activated by social threats and thus contribute to successful coping. Finally, the authors discuss the implications of implicit self-enhancement mechanisms for targets of stigma, individuals who frequently encounter threats to well-being.

Author(s):  
Jordan B. Leitner ◽  
Chad E. Forbes

Previous research has demonstrated that people have the goal of self-enhancing, or viewing themselves in an overly positive light. However, only recent research has examined the degree to which the relationship between self-enhancement goals and outcomes are a result of explicit deliberative mechanisms or implicit automatic mechanisms. The current chapter reviews evidence on unconscious goal pursuit, autobiographical memory, social neuroscience, and implicit self-esteem that suggests that implicit mechanisms play a powerful role in producing self-enhancement outcomes. Furthermore, this chapter reviews evidence that these implicit mechanisms are activated by social threats and thus contribute to successful coping. Finally, the authors discuss the implications of implicit self-enhancement mechanisms for targets of stigma, individuals who frequently encounter threats to well-being.


2021 ◽  
pp. 106648072110098
Author(s):  
Mudasir Aziz ◽  
Waheeda Khan ◽  
Faseeh Amin ◽  
Mohammad Furqan Khan

Both parenting and peer relationship are essential in the formation of self-esteem among the adolescents which lead to overall psychological development. Life satisfaction is another outcome that describes the subjective well-being of any person and the quality of one’s life. Literature has already suggested the importance of parenting and peer relationships in the development of self-esteem which may lead to life satisfaction among adolescents. However, the relationship between three styles of parenting as well as peer attachment and life satisfaction mediated by self-esteem seems to be missing from the literature. This work is an important attempt toward fulfilling this research gap with respect to adolescents. The data were collected from 500 respondents which resulted in 412 functional responses. Structural equation modeling method was used to test the relationship in the study. The results revealed that both authoritative and permissive parenting have a positive influence on self-esteem in comparison to the negative influence of authoritarian parenting. Peer attachment also has an affirmative impact on self-esteem. Self-esteem also positively influences life satisfaction. Mediation results revealed that self-esteem partially mediates the association between three parenting styles, peer attachment, and life satisfaction. This study may offer unique insights to family counselors, couple counselors, and family educators about the role of different parenting styles and peer attachment with respect to the development of children’s self-esteem and life satisfaction. These results are also important for psychologists, sociologists, and other specialists with respect to understanding these factors for the well-being of adolescents.


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kullaya Pisitsungkagarn ◽  
Nattasuda Taephant ◽  
Ploychompoo Attasaranya

Abstract Aim: Body image satisfaction significantly influences self-esteem in female adolescents. Increased reports of lowered satisfaction in this population have raised concerns regarding their compromised self-esteem. This research study, therefore, sought to identify a culturally significant moderator of the association between body image satisfaction and self-esteem in Thai female adolescents. Orientation toward self-compassion, found to be particularly high in Thailand, was examined. Materials and methods: A total of 302 Thai female undergraduates from three large public and private universities in the Bangkok metropolitan area responded to a set of questionnaires, which measured demographic information, body image satisfaction, self-compassion, and self-esteem. Data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analyses. Self-compassion was tested as a moderator of the relationship between body image satisfaction and self-esteem. Results: Although its effect was relatively small, self-compassion significantly moderated the positive relationship between body image satisfaction and self-esteem. The relationship became less stringent for those with high self-compassion. Discussion: The cultivation of self-compassion was recommended in female adolescents. In addition to moderating the association between body image satisfaction and self-esteem, the benefits to health and well-being of generalizing this cultivation are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond Boateng

Previous research outlined that historical representations of different groups underlie stereotypes and prejudice. Considering the gap in the literature on historical representations and their potential impact on well-being, this study tested hypotheses concerning historical representations of Africans (N = 225) in Europe in relation to well-being outcomes in that population. Furthermore, the study tested the mediational role of stereotype confirmation concerns and social identification in the relationship between historical representations and well-being. Consistent with the predictions, historical representations were associated with poorer well-being. Particularly, historical representations were related to increased anxiety and low self-esteem through their relationship with stereotype confirmation concerns. Social identity mitigated the harmful effects of historical representations on self-esteem. However social identity did not mediate the relationship between historical representations and anxiety. The findings highlight the effects of historical representations on well-being.


2001 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adela Yarcheski ◽  
Noreen E. Mahon ◽  
Thomas J. Yarcheski

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived social support and general well-being in early adolescents and to test two variables, hopefulness and self-esteem, that theoretically mediate this relationship. The final sample consisted of 142 adolescents, ages 12 to 14, who responded to instruments measuring perceived social support, hopefulness, self-esteem, and general well-being in classroom settings. Correlational analysis supported the five hypothesized relationships. A series of regression analyses described by Baron and Kenny indicated that hopefulness and self-esteem each were mediators of the relationship between social support and well-being. Implications for nursing practice are addressed.


1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 971-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. H. Nott ◽  
K. Vedhara ◽  
M. J. Power

SYNOPSISA study was carried out in a group of 91 HIV positive gay men to investigate the relationship between social support, measures of affect and health; the changing nature of support over time; and the causal direction of this relationship. Overall levels of support for this group were found to be moderately high and consistent over 6 months and were associated with greater psychological well-being. Individuals in receipt of quantitatively different levels of support were found to differ on measures of depression, stress, coping efficacy and self-esteem, while individuals in receipt of deficient levels of support were found to be more depressed. However, initial support levels were found to be the most powerful predictors of subsequent support levels. The implications of these findings are discussed.


2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana T. Sanchez ◽  
Jennifer Crocker

The present study examined the relationship between investment in gender ideals and well-being and the role of external contingencies of self-worth in a longitudinal survey of 677 college freshmen. We propose a model of how investment in gender ideals affects external contingencies and the consequences for self-esteem, depression, and symptoms of disordered eating. Specifically, we find that the negative relationship between investment in gender ideals and well-being is mediated through externally contingent self-worth. The model showed a good fit for the overall sample. Comparative model testing revealed a good fit for men and women as well as White Americans, Asian Americans, and African Americans.


2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 1257-1265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Li ◽  
Xue Zheng

We examined emotional intelligence (EI) and self-esteem as mediators of the relationship between adult attachment orientations and subjective well-being (SWB). A total of 585 undergraduates from 2 Chinese universities completed measures of the 4 variables. Bootstrap mediation analysis revealed that both EI and self-esteem acted as mediators of the relationship. In addition, a serial mediating role of EI via self-esteem was found. The findings are consistent with predictions derived from attachment theory, and expand on a growing body of research findings on the association between adult attachment orientations and SWB. Implications of the findings and limitations in the study are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 83-91
Author(s):  
A.V. Trifonova

The present article focuses on the relationship between local identity, perceived inclusiveness of the sociocultural context and psychological well-being of the Russians in Estonia (N = 309; M = 37,46; SD = 16,56). Perceived discrimination and perceived multiculturalism are considered as indicators of inclusiveness of the context, and self-esteem and life satisfaction as indicators of psychological well-being. We used the scales from the MIRIPS questionnaire translated and adapted for Russia by N.M. Lebedeva and A.N.Tatarko, the scale of descriptive multicultural attitudes developed in the Center for Sociocultural Research of the HSE University, and the local identity scale of Droseltis and Vignoles. The results of strutural equation modeling show that local identity significantly positively relates to perceived inclusiveness of the sociocultural context. Perceived inclusiveness of the context is positively related to self-esteem and life satisfaction. Indicators of perceived inclusiveness of the context mediate the relationship between local identity and psychological well-being. The study revealed direct positive effect of local identity on life satisfaction. Thus, local identity fulfills an adaptive function, contributing to a more positive perception of the context of acculturation and increasing psychological well-being.


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