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Self-esteem's impacts on intimacy-building: Pathways through self-disclosure and responsiveness
Amanda L Forest1, Kirby N Sigler1, Kaitlin S Bain2
1Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, 210 S. Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
Low self-esteem can hinder intimate relationship development by affecting interpersonal behaviors and perceptions. Research suggests strategies to promote intimacy for individuals with low self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Building intimate relationships involves social risks, notably the potential for rejection.
- Trait self-esteem, defined as overall self-evaluation, significantly influences social behavior in risky situations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a model integrating responsiveness, intimacy, and self-esteem theories.
- To highlight how self-esteem impacts the process of building intimacy.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of existing research on self-esteem, intimacy, and interpersonal responsiveness.
- Integration of theoretical models from social psychology and relationship science.
Main Results:
- Individuals with low self-esteem tend to exhibit behaviors that impede intimacy, such as reduced openness in disclosure.
- People with low self-esteem often elicit and perceive less responsiveness from others compared to those with high self-esteem.
Conclusions:
- Self-esteem plays a crucial role in navigating social risks inherent in relationship building.
- Future research should explore interventions to foster intimacy-promoting behaviors in individuals with low self-esteem.
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