Abstract
Self-ambivalence is defined as the co-presence of positive and negative self-evaluations. Using one established and three new measures of this construct, four studies (total N = 810) revealed markedly negative correlations between self-ambivalence and self-esteem (rs between -.37 and -.74). Further, self-ambivalence proved distinct from the related construct of self-concept clarity (Studies 2 and 3) and was fairly stable across a four-week period (r tt = .53 and .72, Study 4). These results speak to the validity of the new measures and suggest that self-ambivalence is a common concomitant of low self-esteem. Directions for future research are outlined.
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Riketta, M., Ziegler, R. Self-ambivalence and self-esteem. Curr Psychol 25, 192–211 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-006-1003-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-006-1003-7