Related Experiment Videos
Executive self, self-esteem, and negative affectivity: relations at the phenotypic and genotypic level
Michelle B Neiss1, Jim Stevenson, Constantine Sedikides
1School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, England. neissm@ohsu.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 17, 2005
Summary
Self-esteem mediates the link between executive self and negative affectivity. Genetic and environmental factors, particularly unique non-shared influences, contribute to distinct differences in these psychological constructs.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Understanding the interplay between executive self, self-esteem, and negative affectivity is crucial for psychological well-being.
- Previous research has explored these constructs individually, but their interrelations and underlying influences require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between executive self and negative affectivity.
- To investigate the genetic and environmental influences on executive self, self-esteem, and negative affectivity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study (N=4,242) and longitudinal study (N=158) to establish relationships.
- Twin study (N=878 twin pairs) to analyze genetic and environmental contributions.
- Statistical modeling to assess mediation and heritability.
Main Results:
- Self-esteem significantly mediated the association between executive self and negative affectivity across studies.
- Common genetic factors largely explained the covariation among the three phenotypes.
- Unique genetic and non-shared environmental influences contributed to distinct variations in each construct.
Conclusions:
- The findings support self-esteem as a key mediator in the executive self-negative affectivity pathway.
- Both shared and unique genetic influences, alongside substantial non-shared environmental effects, shape these psychological traits.
- Executive self, self-esteem, and negative affectivity represent distinct individual differences influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.