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.
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890, USA. hf28+@andrew.cmu.edu
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Helgeson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000533:Altruism; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009769:Object Attachment; D010553:Personality Development; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support