Discrepancies between explicit and implicit self-esteem: implications for mate retention strategies and perceived infidelity.
The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the association between explicit self-esteem and relationship outcomes was moderated by implicit self-esteem. This was accomplished by asking 210 undergraduates who were currently involved in romantic relationships to complete measures of their explicit self-esteem, implicit self-esteem, mate retention strategies, and likelihood of future infidelity. Implicit self-esteem was found to moderate the association between high explicit self-esteem and relationship outcomes for male participants such that men with discrepant high self-esteem (i.e., high explicit self-esteem but low implicit self-esteem) reported less use of mate retention strategies and perceived a greater likelihood of future infidelity in their relationships during the next year. These findings provide additional support for the idea that fragile self-esteem may have consequences for the manner in which individuals perceive their relationships.
Oakland University, Department of Psychology, 111 Pryale Hall, 2200 N. Squirrel Rd., Rochester, MI 48309, USA. zeiglerh@oakland.edu
Virgil
V
Zeigler-Hill
Jessica J
JJ
Fulton
Chandler
C
McLemore
D000293:Adolescent; D003380:Courtship; D008192:Deception; D005114:Extramarital Relations / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008149:Love; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D009769:Object Attachment; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult