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Dysphoria and Self-Esteem Following an Achievement Event: Predictive Validity of Goal Orientation and Personality Style Theories of Vulnerability

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Abstract

B. M. Dykman (1998) proposed a goal orientation model of depression in which striving to prove self-worth in goal pursuits conferred depression vulnerability. This study replicated and extended the findings of B. M. Dykman (1998) by comparing goal orientation against 2 personality variables: autonomy and sociotropy. In a series of sessions around an achievement event, college students completed goal orientation, autonomy/sociotropy, and measures of dysphoria and self-esteem. For participants who were dissatisfied with the achievement outcome, a greater validation seeking goal orientation predicted increased dysphoria and decreased self-esteem. No such effects were found for autonomy or sociotropy. These findings provide support for the contention that the goal of validating self-worth confers vulnerability to dysphoria and self-esteem loss.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming

    Julie E. Lindsay & Walter D. Scott

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, P.O. Box 3415, Laramie, Wyoming, 82071-3415

    Walter D. Scott

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  1. Julie E. Lindsay
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  2. Walter D. Scott
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Correspondence to Walter D. Scott.

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Lindsay, J.E., Scott, W.D. Dysphoria and Self-Esteem Following an Achievement Event: Predictive Validity of Goal Orientation and Personality Style Theories of Vulnerability. Cogn Ther Res 29, 769–785 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-005-9637-6

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