Interpersonal evaluations following threats to self: role of self-esteem.
In 2 studies, the authors used dyadic interactions to assess the influence of ego threat on likability as a function of self-esteem. In both studies, 2 naive participants engaged in a structured conversation; in half of the dyads, 1 participant received an ego threat prior to the interaction. In the 1st study, threatened high self-esteem participants were rated as less likable than were threatened low self-esteem participants. The 2nd study confirmed that ego threats are associated with decreased liking for those with high self-esteem and with increased liking for those with low self-esteem. A mediational analysis demonstrated that decreased liking among high self-esteem participants was due to being perceived as antagonistic. Study 2 also indicated that the findings could not be explained by trait levels of narcissism. These patterns are interpreted in terms of differential sensitivity to potential interpersonal rejection.
Heatherton
T F
TF
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-3549, USA. todd.heatherton@dartmouth.edu
Vohs
K D
KD
D000328:Adult; D004532:Ego; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009289:Narcissism; D012380:Role; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception