An implicit theory of self-esteem: the consequences of perceived self-esteem for romantic desirability. 2011

Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA. virgil@usm.edu

The provision of information appears to be an important property of self-esteem as evidenced by previous research concerning the status-tracking and status-signaling models of self-esteem. The present studies examine whether there is an implicit theory of self-esteem that leads individuals to assume targets with higher levels of self-esteem possess more desirable characteristics than those with lower levels of self-esteem. Across 6 studies, targets with ostensibly higher levels of self-esteem were generally rated as more attractive and as more desirable relationship partners than those with lower levels of self- esteem. It is important to note, however, that this general trend did not consistently emerge for female targets. Rather, female targets with high self-esteem were often evaluated less positively than those with more moderate levels of self-esteem. The present findings are discussed in the context of an extended informational model of self-esteem consisting of both the status-tracking and status-signaling properties of self-esteem.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007600 Judgment The process of discovering or asserting an objective or intrinsic relation between two objects or concepts; a faculty or power that enables a person to make judgments; the process of bringing to light and asserting the implicit meaning of a concept; a critical evaluation of a person or situation. Judgement,Judgements,Judgments
D008297 Male Males
D003380 Courtship Activities designed to attract the attention or favors of another. Courtships
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D012649 Self Concept Persons' view of themselves. Self Esteem,Self Perception,Self Confidence,Self-Perception,Concept, Self,Confidence, Self,Esteem, Self,Perception, Self,Perceptions, Self,Self Esteems,Self Perceptions,Self-Perceptions
D012737 Sex Factors Maleness or femaleness as a constituent element or influence contributing to the production of a result. It may be applicable to the cause or effect of a circumstance. It is used with human or animal concepts but should be differentiated from SEX CHARACTERISTICS, anatomical or physiological manifestations of sex, and from SEX DISTRIBUTION, the number of males and females in given circumstances. Factor, Sex,Factors, Sex,Sex Factor
D012928 Social Desirability A personality trait rendering the individual acceptable in social or interpersonal relations. It is related to social acceptance, social approval, popularity, social status, leadership qualities, or any quality making him a socially desirable companion. Social Worth,Desirabilities, Social,Desirability, Social,Social Desirabilities,Worth, Social
D012938 Social Perception The perceiving of attributes, characteristics, and behaviors of one's associates or social groups. Perception, Social,Perceptions, Social,Social Perceptions

Related Publications

Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
January 2013, Evolutionary psychology : an international journal of evolutionary approaches to psychology and behavior,
Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
October 2013, Journal of personality and social psychology,
Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
January 2002, Psychological review,
Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
March 1975, Journal of personality,
Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
July 2009, Neurological research,
Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
May 2009, Journal of personality and social psychology,
Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
August 1970, Psychological reports,
Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
January 2014, PloS one,
Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
January 2012, The Journal of social psychology,
Virgil Zeigler-Hill, and Erin M Myers
January 1982, American corrective therapy journal,
Copied contents to your clipboard!