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Perceptions of unconditional and conditional worth among college students
Barbara Day Lockhart1, Ray M Merrill, Justin S Bird
1Department of Physical Education, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA. Barbara_Lockhart@byu.edu
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|May 25, 2002
Summary
This study found that college students value unconditional self-worth more than conditional self-worth. Higher unconditional worth correlates with better self-esteem, highlighting its importance in psychological well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Traditional self-esteem scales often measure conditional self-perceptions.
- The Worth Index (WI) is validated for assessing both conditional and unconditional self-worth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate perceptions of unconditional and conditional worth among college students using the WI.
- To explore the relationship between unconditional/conditional worth and general self-esteem measures.
Main Methods:
- The Worth Index was administered to 1,161 college students at Brigham Young University.
- Correlational analyses examined the relationship between unconditional worth, conditional worth, and self-esteem indicators.
Main Results:
- Participants reported higher agreement with unconditional worth items than conditional worth items.
- A negative correlation was observed between unconditional and conditional worth scores.
- Women reported lower unconditional worth, linked to body image concerns and a desire to be someone else.
- Unconditional worth positively correlated with general self-esteem, including a "good" sense of self and self-esteem stability.
Conclusions:
- Unconditional worth is perceived more strongly than conditional worth by college students.
- Integrating unconditional worth into self-esteem assessments is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of psychological well-being.