Distinctions of unmitigated communion from communion: self-neglect and overinvolvement with others

The authors sought to distinguish unmitigated communion, a focus on others to the exclusion of the self, from communion, a positive caring orientation toward others. Across four studies, the authors showed that unmitigated communion and communion are correlated, but that unmitigated communion is distinct from communion in terms of a negative view of the self, turning to others for self-evaluative information, and psychological distress. They also sought to explain the relation of unmitigated communion to distress. It was found that unmitigated communion individuals' reliance on others for self-esteem leads to overinvolvement with others and a neglect of the self, which, in turn, account for the relation of unmitigated communion to distress.