The Role of Unstable Self-Esteem in the Appraisal of Romantic Relationships

Authors

Virgil Zeigler-Hill, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Jessica J. Fulton, University of Southern Mississippi
Chandler McLemore, University of Southern MississippiFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2011

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The relationship appraisals of individuals with stable and unstable forms of self-esteem were examined in two studies using undergraduate participants. Study 1 (N=166) used indicators of relationship closeness and satisfaction whereas Study 2 (N=125) examined relationship commitment. Across both studies, men with unstable high self-esteem reported more positive views of their relationships than other individuals. We believe that the fragile nature of their feelings of self-worth may have motivated these men to appraise their relationships positively in an effort to maintain and enhance their own tenuous feelings of self-worth. These findings suggest that men with unstable high self-esteem may use their romantic relationships to regulate how they feel about themselves. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication Title

Personality and Individual Differences

Volume

51

Issue

1

First Page

51

Last Page

56

Recommended Citation

Zeigler-Hill, V., Fulton, J. J., McLemore, C. (2011). The Role of Unstable Self-Esteem in the Appraisal of Romantic Relationships. Personality and Individual Differences, 51(1), 51-56.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/617