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Discrepancies between explicit and implicit self-esteem: implications for mate retention strategies and perceived
Virgil Zeigler-Hill1, Jessica J Fulton, Chandler McLemore
1Oakland University, Department of Psychology, 111 Pryale Hall, 2200 N. Squirrel Rd., Rochester, MI 48309, USA. zeiglerh@oakland.edu
The Journal of Social Psychology
|October 13, 2012
Summary
For men, low implicit self-esteem can undermine high explicit self-esteem, leading to poorer relationship outcomes like reduced mate retention and increased infidelity concerns. This highlights the impact of fragile self-esteem on romantic relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Self-esteem, a measure of self-worth, can be assessed explicitly (conscious) or implicitly (unconscious).
- The interplay between explicit and implicit self-esteem may influence relationship dynamics and individual perceptions within romantic partnerships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if implicit self-esteem moderates the link between explicit self-esteem and relationship outcomes.
- To explore how discrepancies between explicit and implicit self-esteem affect mate retention and infidelity perceptions.
Main Methods:
- Survey research involving 210 undergraduate students in romantic relationships.
- Assessment of explicit self-esteem, implicit self-esteem, mate retention strategies, and likelihood of future infidelity.
Main Results:
- Implicit self-esteem moderated the relationship between high explicit self-esteem and relationship outcomes in men.
- Men with high explicit but low implicit self-esteem reported less mate retention and higher perceived future infidelity.
Conclusions:
- Fragile self-esteem, characterized by a discrepancy between high explicit and low implicit self-esteem, has tangible consequences for relationship perceptions and behaviors.
- Findings underscore the importance of considering both explicit and implicit self-esteem for a comprehensive understanding of relationship functioning.
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