Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Defensive pessimism, self-esteem and achievement goals: A person-centered approach
María M Ferradás Canedo1, Carlos Freire Rodríguez, Bibiana Regueiro Fernández
1Grupo de Investigación en Psicología Educativa (GIPED) Universidade da Coruña.
Background:
The relationship between defensive pessimism, self-esteem, and achievement goals is a controversial issue. The main contribution of this research is the adoption of a person-centered approach to explore the existence of differentiated profiles of university students, which combine self-esteem and defensive pessimism. In addition, we analyze whether these profiles differ in their achievement goals (learning, performance-approach, performance-avoidance, and work-avoidance).
Method:
1,028 university students took part in the study.
Results:
Four student profiles were identified: (a) HSE/MDP (high self-esteem and moderate defensive pessimism); (b) LSE/LDP (low self-esteem and low defensive pessimism); (c) HSE/LDP (high self-esteem and low defensive pessimism); and (d) LSE/HDP (low self-esteem and high defensive pessimism). These four profiles differ significantly in their achievement goals.
Conclusions:
The use of defensive pessimism may involve students with either low or high self-esteem, although the two profiles follow differentiated motivational achievement trajectories.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Trait and State Self-Esteem
Maslow's Humanistic Approach on Personality
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Self-Esteem
Need for Self-Esteem
Benefits of Self-Esteem

