1. Self-Esteem
The Social Self

2. The Self
A symbol-using social being who can reflect on his or her own behavior
The Self As...
Knowledge Through Awareness
Social
An Active Agent

3. Self-Esteem
A cognitive and affective evaluation of the self-concept

4. Terror Management Theory
Self-esteem is psychologically protective by providing us with the feeling of being valuable contributors to a meaningful world
CULTURAL STANDARDS
INCREASES SELF-ESTEEM
= Distal Defense

5. Self-Esteem is Terror Management

6. Self as Social
Charles Horton Cooley
Looking Glass Self

7. Sociometer Hypothesis
Our core motive is to maintain social relationships and avoid exclusion
Self-esteem serves as an internal, subjective index used to monitor one’s inclusionary status

8. Sociometer Hypothesis

9. Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
Self-Esteem is maintained by ...
Self Reflection
Identifying with others
Social Comparison
Accomplishments are evaluated by comparing with others

10. Social Comparison Upward Comparison
Involves comparisons with those better than ourselves
Downward Comparison
Involves comparisons with those worse than ourselves

11. SEM Model Closeness Relevance of Task/Accomplishment Certainty
The closer you are the stronger the effect of comparison and reflection
Relevance of Task/Accomplishment
Relevant tasks promote comparison
Irrelevant tasks promote reflection
Certainty
Certainty promotes reflection
Uncertainty promotes comparison