Calibrating the sociometer: the relationship between interpersonal appraisals and state self-esteem

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Self-Perception Research

Background:

• Understanding the link between social feedback and self-evaluation is crucial in social psychology.
• Previous research suggests external validation influences self-esteem, but the precise functional relationship requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional relationship between interpersonal appraisal and subjective feelings about oneself.
• To determine how positive and negative feedback from others impacts state self-esteem.

Main Methods:

• Four experiments were conducted, involving participants imagining or receiving interpersonal evaluations.
• Measures of state self-esteem were administered following exposure to social feedback.
• Trait self-esteem was assessed to explore its moderating role.

Main Results:

• A consistent curvilinear, ogival function was observed between others' appraisals and subjective feelings.
• State self-esteem varied non-linearly with the valence and intensity of interpersonal feedback.
• Trait self-esteem showed a main effect but did not moderate the impact of feedback on state self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• Subjective feelings about oneself are intricately and non-linearly related to how one is appraised by others.
• The impact of interpersonal feedback on state self-esteem follows a predictable, ogival curve.
• Individual differences in trait self-esteem do not alter this fundamental curvilinear response to social appraisals.