Self-Esteem Instability and Psychological Adjustment
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2012
School
Psychology
Abstract
The psychological adjustment of individuals with stable and unstable forms of self-esteem was examined across three studies using undergraduate participants. Study 1 (N = 122) included indicators of global distress and aggression; Study 2 (N = 199) focused on depression, hopelessness, anxiety, and rejection sensitivity; and Study 3 (N = 183) examined global distress, affect, and psychological well-being. Across each study, unstable self-esteem was found to moderate the association between self-esteem level and psychological adjustment. The pattern of these findings suggests that individuals with unstable low self-esteem are especially likely to experience dejection, whereas those with unstable high self-esteem are likely to experience agitation.
Publication Title
Self and Identity
Volume
11
Issue
3
First Page
317
Last Page
342
Recommended Citation
Zeigler-Hill, V.,
Wallace, M. T.
(2012). Self-Esteem Instability and Psychological Adjustment. Self and Identity, 11(3), 317-342.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/268