The contents of the meaning of the concept of self-esteem

Petretić, Mirna. (2012). The contents of the meaning of the concept of self-esteem. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology. [mentor Ajduković, Dean].

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Abstract

The aims of this research were to identify the meaning of the term self-esteem, contents of specific domains taken from Contingencies of Self-Worth Theory (Crocker, Luhtanen, Cooper, 2003), verify the existence of additional domains and gender differences in self-esteem considering success and failure. Ten semi-structured interviews with young, academically educated and employed persons were conducted. They define self-esteem as a feeling of one’s own worthiness and competence. Answers on God’s love imply there is a need for redefining this domain of self-worth since both atheists and religious people report on introspection and the feeling of security that comes from perceived unity among people and connectedness with the supernatural. Participants report that even back in university days, academic performance had barely any influence on their self-esteem, and emphasize the importance of interpersonal relationships. Creativity is the only aspect of intellectual competence that has influence on their self-esteem. Material well-being affects self-esteem indirectly, by making it possible for a person to engage in activities that are of particular importance to them. Gender differences in selfesteem are partially confirmed. Female participants report that the importance of the influence that appearance, competitiveness and other’s approval had on their selfesteem has changed over time. Male participants’ answers do not indicate the importance of autonomy, social comparison and superiority for their self-esteem. Gender peculiarities on the influence of success or failure have not been confirmed.

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