Perfectionism and Explicit Self-Esteem: The Moderating Role of Implicit Self-Esteem

Authors

Virgil Zeigler-Hill, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Carol Terry, University of Oklahoma

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2007

Department

Psychology

Abstract

It has recently been proposed that individuals with discrepant low self-esteem (i.e., low explicit self-esteem but high implicit self-esteem) may be characterized as possessing a glimmer of hope (Spencer, Jordan, Logel, & Zanna, 2005). That is, these individuals may exhibit more optimism and less self-protection than is typically seen among individuals with low self-esteem. Consistent with the glimmer of hope hypothesis, we proposed that individuals with discrepant low, self-esteem would report relatively high levels of perfectionism. The results of the present study support this prediction: Aniong individuals with low explicit self-esteem, those with high implicit self-esteem reported higher levels of maladaptive and adaptive perfectionism. Overall, the results suggest that the inclusion of implicit self-esteem enhances our understanding of the relationship between perfectionism and explicit selfesteem.

Publication Title

Self and Identity

Volume

6

Issue

41308

First Page

137

Last Page

153

Recommended Citation

Zeigler-Hill, V., Terry, C. (2007). Perfectionism and Explicit Self-Esteem: The Moderating Role of Implicit Self-Esteem. Self and Identity, 6(41308), 137-153.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/2039