Self-Structure and Self-Esteem Stability: The Hidden Vulnerability of Compartmentalization
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2007
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The present studies examined the association between self-concept structure and stability of self-esteem. In two daily diary studies, evaluative integration (organizing positively and negatively valenced self-beliefs into the same self-aspects) was associated with more stable self-esteem than evaluative compartmentalization (organizing positively and negatively valenced self-beliefs into separate self-aspects) among individuals with generally high self-esteem. Moreover, analyses of self-esteem reactivity confirmed that the sensitivity of state self-esteem to daily events was greater for compartmentalized individuals than for individuals with relatively integrative self-concept structures. Compartmentalization also was associated with greater sensitivity to experiences of social rejection in the laboratory, consistent with the view that integration affords greater stability of self-evaluations. These results suggest that some of the benefits believed to be associated with compartmentalization (such as high self-esteem) may have hidden costs that have not previously been considered.
Publication Title
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
Volume
33
Issue
2
First Page
143
Last Page
159
Recommended Citation
Zeigler-Hill, V.,
Showers, C. J.
(2007). Self-Structure and Self-Esteem Stability: The Hidden Vulnerability of Compartmentalization. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33(2), 143-159.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/2089