When rejection stings: how self-esteem constrains relationship-enhancement processes

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Relationship Science

Background:

• Self-esteem influences how individuals perceive and react to interpersonal challenges.
• Needs for acceptance can impact relationship maintenance strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how self-esteem levels moderate the effects of perceived relationship problems on relationship protection strategies.
• To examine the role of acceptance needs in relationship maintenance for individuals with low versus high self-esteem.

Main Methods:

• Three experiments were conducted where participants were led to believe their partner perceived a relationship problem.
• Measures included perceptions of partner acceptance, enhancement, and relationship closeness.
• Participant self-esteem levels were assessed to differentiate between low and high self-esteem groups.

Main Results:

• Low self-esteem participants over-interpreted relationship problems, viewing them as signs of waning partner affection and commitment.
• Individuals with low self-esteem subsequently derogated their partners and reported reduced closeness.
• High self-esteem participants, less sensitive to rejection, affirmed their partners when faced with perceived threats, thus protecting the relationship.

Conclusions:

• Chronic needs for acceptance may lead low self-esteem individuals to perceive rejection cues that are not present, unnecessarily jeopardizing relationship attachments.
• High self-esteem appears to buffer against negative interpretations of relationship difficulties, promoting relationship stability.