Arbeidspsychologie thema 4 deel 1

Workplace incivility can communicate that …

someone is not valued as a social partner. 

Sociometer Theory:

Incivility → lower perceived relational value → threat to social belonging → negative emotional responses 

However, a single experience of incivility does not necessarily immediately lower …

state self-esteem.

More frequent or chronic experiences of incivility are more strongly related to …

lower self-esteem.

Sociometer theory of self-esteem  

The sociometer theory states that self-esteem functions as an evolved social-regulation system. Humans are highly social beings and depend on social relationships for survival and well-being. Therefore, people need a way to monitor whether they are accepted and valued by others. Incivility → lower perceived relational value → threat to social belonging → negative emotional responses 

The sociometer functions like an internal barometer of …

social value.

It continuously monitors the social environment for information about how …

valuable we are as social partners.  

The main functions of the self-esteem system are to: 

• monitor one's relational value; 

• detect threats to social belonging; 

• motivate behaviour that maintains or restores social relationships; 

• help people decide how to respond to social threats. 

Relational value

the degree to which a person believes they are valued by others as a social partner. 

The sociometer receives information from …

social interactions.

Examples Positive social feedback 

• acceptance; 

• warmth; 

• positive feedback; 

• being included; 

• someone wanting to spend time with you. 

Negative social feedback: Examples

• rejection; 

• being ignored; 

• cold behaviour; 

• negative evaluation; 

• exclusion. 

State self-esteem (SSE)

a person's momentary feeling of self-worth. 

State self-esteem  can change quickly depending on …

social experiences.

According to sociometer theory, a decrease in SSE is useful because it …

signals a possible threat to social belonging. 

This signal can motivate the person to do something to improve their …

social situation. 

The four interpersonal dilemmas 

The self-esteem system helps people solve four important interpersonal problems: 

The four interpersonal dilemmas 

1. "What is my relational value?"

2. "Should I believe social feedback about my relational value?"

3. "Should I pursue connection or self-protection?"

4. "How can I judge the relational value of others?"

"What is my relational value?"

How much do other people value me as a social partner? 

"Should I believe social feedback about my relational value?"

Is the feedback I receive from others accurate? 

"Should I pursue connection or self-protection?"

If my social value is threatened, should I approach others or protect myself from rejection?

"How can I judge the relational value of others?"

How can I determine whether someone is a good social partner before investing in a long-term relationship?  

State self-esteem 

• temporary; 

• changes in response to current social experiences; 

• responds to acceptance and rejection; 

• reflects how you feel about yourself right now. 

Global self-esteem 

• relatively stable; 

• represents a general view of one's relational value; 

• develops from accumulated experiences of acceptance and rejection; 

• helps people interpret new social experiences

People compare new social feedback with their …

existing global self-esteem.

If the feedback matches someone's existing self-view: 

→ the feedback is more likely to be considered accurate 
→ it produces feelings of certainty and confidence. 

If the feedback conflicts with someone's existing self-view: 

→ the feedback is initially more likely to be rejected as inaccurate 
→ but it can also create uncertainty and confusion.  

Epistemic confusion

uncertainty about what to believe about oneself.

Epistemic confusion can occur when …

social feedback is inconsistent with existing self-esteem.

the process of epistemic confusion can be understood as

1. Inconsistent social feedback

2. "This doesn't fit my self-view."

3. Epistemic confusion / uncertainty

4. If the feedback continues over time

5. Self-esteem may change