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Related Experiment Videos

Why do people need self-esteem? Converging evidence that self-esteem serves an anxiety-buffering function.

J Greenberg1, S Solomon, T Pyszczynski

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|December 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

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High self-esteem acts as a buffer against anxiety. Studies show that boosting self-esteem reduces anxiety responses to threatening stimuli like death imagery and painful shocks.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Anxiety Research

Background:

  • Self-esteem is a crucial aspect of psychological well-being.
  • Anxiety is a common emotional response to perceived threats.
  • The potential anxiety-dampening effects of self-esteem warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anxiety-buffering hypothesis of self-esteem.
  • To determine if self-esteem influences responses to death-related stimuli.
  • To examine the role of self-esteem in mitigating anxiety associated with anticipated pain.

Main Methods:

  • Three studies were conducted.
  • Study 1 involved exposing participants to death-related imagery after manipulating self-esteem via positive or neutral personality feedback.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Studies 2 and 3 assessed physiological arousal in participants anticipating painful shock, with self-esteem manipulated through success or positive feedback.

    • Main Results:

    • Participants receiving positive personality feedback reported lower anxiety when viewing death-related content.
    • Both success feedback and positive personality feedback significantly reduced physiological arousal in anticipation of shock.
    • Converging evidence across studies supported the anxiety-buffering role of self-esteem.

    Conclusions:

    • Self-esteem functions as a psychological buffer, reducing anxiety.
    • Interventions aimed at enhancing self-esteem may be effective in managing anxiety.
    • These findings contribute to understanding the protective mechanisms of self-esteem against psychological distress.