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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
Summary
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.
- 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.