Self-esteem and perceived regard: how I see myself affects my relationship satisfaction.
The authors explored the relations among self-esteem, perceived regard, and satisfaction in dating relationships. On the basis of the dependency regulation model (T. DeHart, B. Pelham, & S. Murray, 2004), the authors hypothesized that self-esteem would influence individuals' self-perceptions and views of how their partners perceive them (metaperception). They also hypothesized that perceived regard (self-perception minus metaperception) would predict relationship satisfaction. Regression analyses indicated that for moderate relationship-relevant traits (i.e., caring, loving), high self-esteem was associated with self-enhancement (idealization), whereas low self-esteem was associated with self-deprecation. For low relationship-relevant traits (i.e., quiet, reserved), both low and high self-esteem individuals self-enhanced. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that self-esteem and perceived regard for moderate relationship-relevant traits predicted satisfaction. The authors discuss the implications of idealization, self-verification, and self-deprecation for the perceivers and their relationships.
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Antonella
A
Sciangula
Marian M
MM
Morry
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D003380:Courtship; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept