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Unhappy self-esteem: a meaningful exception to the rule
1Psychological Laboratory, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Psychology
|September 1, 1992
Summary
This study explores "unhappy self-esteem," where high self-esteem coexists with low well-being. Findings suggest this phenomenon is linked to anger and opposition.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Self-esteem and well-being are typically viewed as closely linked.
- However, the concept of "unhappy self-esteem" presents a contrasting scenario.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenomenon of high self-esteem coexisting with low well-being.
- To understand the theoretical coherence of unhappy self-esteem.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a framework viewing the self as an organized process.
- Employed the idiographic assessment procedure, the method of self-confrontation.
- Analyzed self-statements of 15 Dutch subjects experiencing unhappy self-esteem.
Main Results:
- Identified unhappy self-esteem as an exception to the general rule linking self-esteem and well-being.
- The phenomenon was found to be theoretically coherent.
- Self-statements indicated a clear connection to anger and opposition.
Conclusions:
- Unhappy self-esteem, characterized by high self-esteem and low well-being, is a distinct psychological experience.
- This state is theoretically coherent and associated with underlying anger and opposition.
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