When rejection stings: how self-esteem constrains relationship-enhancement processes.
Three experiments examined how needs for acceptance might constrain low versus high self-esteem people's capacity to protect their relationships in the face of difficulties. The authors led participants to believe that their partner perceived a problem in their relationship. They then measured perceptions of the partner's acceptance, partner enhancement, and closeness. Low but not high self-esteem participants read too much into problems, seeing them as a sign that their partner's affections and commitment might be waning. They then derogated their partner and reduced closeness. Being less sensitive to rejection, however, high self-esteem participants affirmed their partner in the face of threat. Ironically, chronic needs for acceptance may result in low self-esteem people seeing signs of rejection where none exist, needlessly weakening attachments.
Murray
Sandra L
SL
Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York ,14260-4110, USA. smurray@acsu.buffalo.edu
Rose
Paul
P
Bellavia
Gina M
GM
Holmes
John G
JG
Kusche
Anna Garrett
AG
D003380:Courtship; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009518:New York; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012059:Rejection, Psychology; D012649:Self Concept