Effects of contingent self-esteem on depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior.
Contingent self-esteem, or self-worth hinged upon successfully meeting standards or attaining goals, requires continual maintenance and validation. Despite the inherent instability that accompanies contingent self-esteem, relatively little is known about how it relates to markers of mental health. A sample of 371 college students completed measures of self-esteem, contingent self-esteem, suicidal behaviors, and depression. Individuals with fragile low self-esteem, described as highly contingent, reported greater depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior. Among those with secure high self-esteem, or high yet noncontingent, depression and suicide risk were markedly lower. Therapeutically promoting positive but noncontingent self-worth may reduce poor mental health outcomes.
a Department of Psychology , East Tennessee State University , Johnson City , Tennessee , USA.
Chad E
CE
Lakey
Jameson K
JK
Hirsch
Lyndsay A
LA
Nelson
Sheri A
SA
Nsamenang
D000328:Adult; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult