Question

a. Explain differences between people low and high in self-esteem

b. Explain Sociometer Theory

c. Name the three motives for learning about the self (and which is strongest)

Answer 1

• a)Low self-esteem ---> People who don't believe in themselves, scared of the world, afraid of trying new things and always thinking they're loosers.
• High self-esteem ---> People who really believe in themselves, have confidence, are proud of who they are and are always thinking that they are winners.
• The healthy self-esteem is the outcome of a childhood experience where the child is being praised, listened, spoken respectfully, got attention and hugs, experienced success in sports or school and having trustworthy friends. All of these make a strong impact and the person has healthy self-esteem, as he or she grows up.
• Low Self-Esteem adults have a childhood in which they experience being treated harshly or criticized, being yelled or beaten, being ignored or teased, being burdened with perfect expectations all the time, failures in academics and sports , etc. These kids get an impression that a normal loss at a game is failure of them as a person.
• b)Sociometer theory is a theory put forward by Mark Leary in 1999, proposing that humans have evolved a form of psychological meter, or gauge, which monitors the degree to which other people value and accept them. Leary named this monitor a sociometer, and proposed that this evaluation of the individual’s level of acceptance by others is a determinant of self-esteem. Self- esteem, then, is an internal representation of social acceptance and rejection. The sociometer perspective provides a framework for understanding the extensive literature on self-esteem, as well as the link between self-esteem and emotional and behavioral problems.
• c)Self-enhancement is cognitive or interpersonal activity aimed at boosting beliefs that one is a lovable and capable human being.Self-improvement refers to the motive to become a better individual in reality.Self-assessment refers to the motive to obtain an accurate view of the self, whether that view be positive or negative.Self assessment seems strongest since it helps to gain awareness about oneself and develop a high self esteem leading to better confidence and being clear about one's purpose in life.