Psychology of Self-Assessment and Self-Esteem

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Questions and Answers

Which statement best describes the motivation behind self-assessment?

It primarily seeks to reinforce existing negative beliefs about oneself.

It largely promotes the affirmation of positive traits through rationalization.

It focuses on evaluating traits that are deemed central to one's identity. (correct)

It operates under the assumption that all self-relevant information is equally valuable.

What role does self-enhancement play in a person’s self-perception?

It compels individuals to focus exclusively on their negative attributes.

It promotes the belief that one is good or competent regardless of evidence. (correct)

It is triggered only by significant life events impacting self-image.

It encourages individuals to view themselves through a less favorable lens.

In what circumstance might self-protection become activated?

When an individual experiences a threat to their self-related interests. (correct)

When a person is reaffirming their positive self-attributes.

When reflecting on peripheral aspects of self-concept.

When there is an external validation of positive traits.

How do people with low self-esteem typically engage in self-verification?

They focus on confirming their negative self-beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Which assertion is true regarding self-esteem as described in the content?

Positive self-representation is often a product of rationalization. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reaction of individuals experiencing automatic egotism?

Favorable self-image Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a coping mechanism that involves physically removing oneself from a threatening situation?

Escape Signup and view all the answers

Which source of threat to self-worth is exemplified by failing a test?

Failure Signup and view all the answers

How do low-achieving individuals typically perceive their academic performance?

They view it as above average. Signup and view all the answers

Which cultural perspective values self-criticism and community over individual self-enhancement?

Eastern collectivism Signup and view all the answers

According to social comparison theory, what influences the outcomes of self-esteem and social identity?

Relative status of ingroups and outgroups Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of self-esteem helps buffer anxiety related to the awareness of mortality?

Cultural worldview Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequence can arise from threats to self-esteem?

Self-harm or suicide Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT mentioned as a way to improve self-esteem?

Competing in sports Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a consequence of high narcissism according to the content?

Volatile self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals in stigmatized groups often manage self-esteem concerns?

By developing unique ingroup characteristics Signup and view all the answers

In the context of existentialism, what is regarded as a significant source of pain?

Knowledge of the future Signup and view all the answers

How does terror management theory relate to self-esteem?

It posits self-esteem helps buffer against the fear of death. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior do many individuals exhibit when assessing their driving abilities?

They often overestimate their driving safety. Signup and view all the answers

What brain network is associated with self-related thoughts and introspection?

Default mode network (DMN) Signup and view all the answers

Which view suggests that low self-esteem is a cause of social problems?

Low self-esteem can correlate with crime and drug abuse. Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis suggests that low self-esteem predisposes individuals to depression?

Vulnerability hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'absurdism' refer to in the content?

The absurdity and meaninglessness of life Signup and view all the answers

Members of which groups often report lower self-esteem?

Ethnic minorities Signup and view all the answers

What has been observed in violent behavior patterns concerning self-esteem?

Violence can manifest in both high and low self-esteem individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic commonly associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

High levels of empathy Signup and view all the answers

In split-brain patients, which hemisphere showed a greater likelihood of self-recognition in diluted images?

Left hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential mental health issue linked to maladaptive efforts to maintain self-esteem?

Mental health problems in general Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches is effective in tackling the psychological threat of death?

Engaging in religious practices Signup and view all the answers

What is typically associated with an overactive default mode network (DMN)?

Increased rumination Signup and view all the answers

Which method is implied as a way to think positively and potentially lose oneself?

Engaging in activities that benefit others Signup and view all the answers

How did the terror management theory experiment assess participants' reactions?

Through a memory task and writing about death Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect of MDMA use?

Jaw clenching Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mental health issues have shown to be treated with psilocybin therapy?

Severe depression Signup and view all the answers

What psychological term describes the state achieved when one loses self-consciousness during enjoyable activities?

Flow Signup and view all the answers

In the context of MDMA-assisted therapy, which outcome was observed at the two-month follow-up?

Greater openness Signup and view all the answers

Which therapy was found to be more effective than traditional antidepressants in treating depression according to randomised control trials?

Psilocybin-assisted therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible positive psychological effect of endurance exercise?

Enhanced self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of flow describes the way time may feel during an engaging activity?

Time appears to speed up or slow down Signup and view all the answers

During the double-blind study on psilocybin, what was administered one week apart?

Psilocybin doses Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic method is indicated to potentially reduce PTSD symptoms through MDMA use?

Non-directive psychotherapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proposed benefit of psychedelic substances like psilocybin?

Ego enhancement Signup and view all the answers

What negative reaction may occur with the use of psilocybin at higher doses?

Increased anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What was the main characteristic change observed in participants following actual MDMA sessions in therapy?

Greater openness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the clinical approach may not effectively tackle depression in everyone?

Variations in individual responses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is suggested to provide temporary loss of ego to potentially improve mental health?

Yoga and meditation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Self-Assessment and Self-Verification

People are naturally motivated to discover the truth about themselves, even if negative.
Self-verification: People seek information that confirms their existing self-perceptions, especially those with low self-esteem. They actively look for negative feedback to validate their negative self-image.

Self-Enhancement

People prioritize discovering positive information about themselves to maintain a positive self-image. This motive, often called self-enhancement, is linked to self-protection, preventing negative information from impacting self-worth.
Self-enhancement is a general tendency; self-protection is initiated by specific events threatening self-worth.
Self-affirmation theory suggests people strive to reinforce positive aspects of the self, whether explicitly (boasting) or subtly (rationalization). This is particularly true when self-esteem feels threatened.

Self-Esteem

People tend to have a positive bias toward themselves, viewing their attributes in a favorable light.
This is evident in low-achieving students often believing they are high performers.
This bias is largely automatic, often referred to as "automatic egotism," especially when individuals feel threatened.

Sources of Threats to Self-Worth

Failure (e.g., academic failure, relationship breakdowns).
Inconsistencies (unforeseen positive or negative events that challenge self-perception).
Stressors (ongoing challenges exceeding coping abilities).

Coping Mechanisms

Escape: Physical removal from the threatening situation.
Denial: Using substances to avoid confronting the issue.
Downplaying: Re-evaluating the aspect of self threatened or self-affirming other aspects.
Self-expression: Opening up about the issues verbally or in writing.
Confrontation: Directly addressing the threat by challenging its validity.

Positive social identities (e.g., membership in high-status groups) contribute to positive self-esteem.
People in stigmatized groups develop mechanisms to avoid self-esteem damage through other strategies.
Social comparison theory suggests different outcomes based on out-group comparison and status.
For example, group identities based on race/ethnicity can influence self-esteem.
Analyses should incorporate intragroup comparisons (e.g., "as an African-American, I feel...") rather than solely focusing on personal feelings..

Individual Differences

Low self-esteem is associated with certain social and personal problems (e.g., criminal behavior, risky sexual behaviors).
However, critics argue that low self-esteem may result from difficult or stressful environmental factors.
Studies have also demonstrated aggression correlated with high self-esteem when threatened. This high self-esteem can lead to a variety of responses (quiet confidence to overt arrogance and narcissism).

Pursuit of Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is influenced by the fear of death.
Terror management theory: The fear of death is an extremely powerful motivational force. Individuals cope with this anxiety by emphasizing their cultural beliefs and a strong sense of self-worth. This anxiety-buffering mechanism develops through childhood and beyond across cultures.
High self-esteem serves as a defense against anxiety about mortality.

Self-Esteem as a "Sociometer"

Self-esteem is viewed as an indicator of social acceptance and belonging.
The desire to establish and maintain social connections is a powerful motivator.
This doesn't necessarily mean overcoming the fear of mortality, but rather mitigating the fear of loneliness.

Relative Driving Capabilities

A study found a strong bias for individuals rating themselves as superior drivers. This bias is often present even when exposed to safety information.

Above Average Effect

People tend to believe they are better than average in various domains. This cognitive bias includes self-enhancement in domains like driving.

Why Do We Have Self-Esteem?

People generally want a positive view of themselves. This fundamental human motive is rooted in the desire for self-enhancement.
Further evolutionary reasons may be that having a positive view of yourself is a survival trait

Existentialism, Absurdism, and the Fear of Death

Existentialism highlights the human awareness of death and the apparent meaninglessness of life.
Absurdism acknowledges the conflict between our inherent need for meaning and the universe’s perceived lack thereof.
Terror Management Theory: The awareness of death is a major source of anxiety, and individuals use various cultural and personal defense mechanisms to counter this constant threat.

Split-Brain Patients and the Self

Split-brain research has illuminated the possible distinct functions of each hemisphere of the brain in self-awareness and self-recognition.

Divisions of the Self

Left hemisphere showed greater self-recognition in various tasks.
Right hemisphere showed greater recognition of others. This suggests a specialization in each hemisphere for self/other recognition.

Narcissism

Narcissists have inflated self-views, a need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and a highly unstable self-esteem. Such instability can lead to aggression when self-worth is threatened.

Link Between Self-Esteem and Depression

Vulnerability hypothesis: Low self-esteem is a risk factor for depression.
Scar hypothesis: Depression leads to lower self-esteem.

Brain Networks and Depression

Default Mode Network (DMN): Highly active in people experiencing self-focused thinking and introspection leading to social isolation and self-criticism.
Central Executive Network (CEN): Less active, resulting in decreased goal setting, emotional regulation, and planning.
Salience Network (SN): Affected in individuals with depression, affecting the interaction between internal experiences and the external environment.

Drugs and the Self

Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common mental health concerns.
There is continuing debate concerning the efficacy of contemporary psychiatric treatment.
Psychedelics provide a potential new therapeutic approach.

MDMA

MDMA, also known as ecstasy, has stimulant and hallucinogenic effects.
It may induce feelings of euphoria and increased sociability and empathy and reduced anxiety.
Potential side effects include heart stress, jaw clenching, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
Studies suggest MDMA-assisted therapy can positively impact PTSD symptoms; it was more effective than therapy alone.

Psilocybin

Psilocybin has psychedelic effects, potentially leading to feelings of ego dissolution and increased self-awareness.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy can improve depression symptoms more effectively compared to traditional antidepressants.
This leads to an increased sense of interconnectedness and a reduced sense of self.

Finding the Self by Losing the Self

Psychedelic therapies can promote feelings of ego dissolution, which paradoxically can foster self-awareness and a broader sense of connection with the world. Some research demonstrates decreased activity in areas associated with a negative or self-involved sense of self.

Sobriety and the Self

Exercise, adventure, flow experiences, yoga, and meditation can lead to increased self-knowledge, self-awareness, and a sense of self-development.
A key aspect of these activities involves relinquishing aspects of the ego and the self.

Flow Experiences

Flow experiences occur when a task's challenge matches one's skills, leading to a deep sense of focus and immersion, accompanied by reduced self-consciousness.
Flow states can be achieved through various activities, and are intrinsically rewarding.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and mindfulness-based meditation foster self-discovery by promoting self-awareness and self-regulation.

Endurance Exercise

Endurance exercise, such as running, can have profound psychological benefits including positive changes to thoughts, feelings, and actions for the better, including decreased depression and a greater sense of self-discovery.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of self-assessment, self-verification, and self-enhancement in psychology. Understand how individuals seek truth about themselves and the impact of self-esteem on self-perception. Test your knowledge on the dynamics of self-image and the psychological theories related to self-esteem.