Abstract
In this chapter, we hope to demonstrate the value of examining self-esteem from a broad theoretical perspective. We begin with a summary of the most relevant aspects of a global theory of personality, cognitive—experiential self-theory (CEST). According to this theory, there are four basic needs of the self, two of which are self-enhancement and self-verification. The theory further assumes that behavior reflects a compromise among the four needs, and that information is encoded in two different systems of information processing, rational and experiential. It follows from this latter assumption that there is not one, but two self-conceptualizations, one in each system. We illustrate in an experiment the importance of considering needs other than enhancement and verification, of considering compromise formations among needs, and of investigating the effects of two modes of information processing. Finally, we demonstrate how our model can clarify the role of self-esteem in various problems associated with normal and abnormal adjustment.
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Epstein, S., Morling, B. (1995). Is the Self Motivated To Do More Than Enhance and/or Verify Itself?. In: Kernis, M.H. (eds) Efficacy, Agency, and Self-Esteem. The Springer Series in Social Clinical Psychology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1280-0_2
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