Self-esteem & mental health

week 5

What is self-esteem?

Our evaluation of ourselves.

Is self-esteem a need or a motive?

Both — it fulfills a psychological need and drives behavior.

What is the sociometer?

An internal gauge that monitors our social world for cues about our relational value.

What does high relational value lead to?

Positive emotions and high self-esteem.

What does low relational value lead to?

Negative emotions, social pain, and low self-esteem.

What happens when relational value drops too low?

We experience low self-esteem and negative emotions.

How can we refuel the sociometer?

By engaging in pro-social behaviors that increase belonging.

Why did humans develop a sociometer?

To support survival and reproduction in small groups.

What basic human need drove the development of the sociometer?

The need to belong.

What kind of cues are humans sensitive to because of the sociometer?

Acceptance and rejection cues.

What does detecting exclusion motivate?

Prosocial or antisocial behavior.

What does the sociometer monitor?

Relational value from people we know and don’t know.

What are the two steps of the sociometer process?

(1) Scans for cues of declining relational value → emotions, (2) Cognitive process to interpret those cues.

What is one way researchers study sociometer theory?

By experimentally manipulating rejection and acceptance.

What is the Cyberball manipulation?

A ball-toss game that creates feelings of exclusion.

What is bogus feedback in sociometer research?

Participants are told they were evaluated favorably or unfavorably.

How do evaluations affect self-esteem?

Positive evaluations raise it

What affects self-esteem more — exclusion or inclusion?

Exclusion lowers self-esteem more than inclusion raises it.

What mental health issues are linked to low self-esteem?

Depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Why does low relational value cause depression or anxiety?

It leads to negative emotions and miscalibrated self-evaluations.

How can CBT help with low self-esteem?

It reappraises low relational value and challenges negative thoughts.

What does low relational value make people pursue?

Dysfunctional acceptance from others.

How can mental health stigma affect relational value?

It can lower a person’s perceived relational value.

What happens when a partner devalues someone?

Increased conflict, breakup, and poorer mental health.

In marriage, what neutralizes self-doubts?

A partner’s love and acceptance.

In marriage, what happens when relational value is low?

Increased rejection sensitivity and dissatisfaction.

How does psychotherapy help perceived relational value?

It increases perceived relational value, reducing depression and anxiety.

What does a therapist do to recalibrate a client’s sociometer?

Shows unconditional positive regard and challenges irrational thoughts.

What is “mattering”?

Feeling that one is significant and valued by others.

What are traditional fuels for the sociometer?

Close social connections and belonging.

What are non-traditional fuels for the sociometer?

Symbolic social bonds, like feeling connected to a TV character.

How do symbolic social bonds help?

They enhance belonging and wellbeing.

What does it mean that sociometer strategies are flexible?

Belonging doesn’t always require close relationships.

What is self-verification theory?

The motivation to confirm and verify one’s authentic self-views.

Do people want to confirm positive or negative self-views?

Both — they seek consistency.

Who do people prefer to interact with?

Those who confirm their self-views.

How do people process self-verifying information?

They pay more attention to it and remember it better.

Why do people self-verify?

To understand, predict, and control their experiences.

What is psychological coherence?

The feeling that things are as expected and consistent.

Why is self-verifying feedback comforting?

It is predictable and provides validation and reassurance.

What psychological benefits come from self-verification?

Reduced anxiety and better mental health.

How can positive feedback sometimes cause stress?

For people with negative self-views, it can create discomfort or anxiety.

How does self-verification enhance relationship quality?

By promoting harmony, predictability, and intimacy.

What does harmony and predictability in relationships enable?

Goal pursuit and greater trust.

What does intimacy in self-verification involve?

Feeling understood and validated.

What happens if a partner doesn’t verify negative self-views?

Less intimacy and possible breakup.

What is the two-step strategy for healthy self-verification?

Verification first, then positive validation.

What is a direct cost of verifying negative self-views?

Lower relational value, low self-esteem, and depression.

How can receiving praise be a cost for people with negative self-views?

It can cause them to double down on their negative beliefs.

How do depressed individuals use feedback?

They seek negative feedback that confirms their self-views.

What is an indirect cost of self-verification?

Seeking negative feedback can cause rejection or relationship loss.

What workplace risk comes from self-verification?

Tolerating a toxic work environment.

What is the first goal of self-verification when self-views are negative?

To reduce anxiety and make people feel validated.

After validation, what helps change negative self-views?

Gradual exposure to small doses of positive feedback.

What therapy focuses on accepting and changing thoughts?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

What are the core ideas of ACT?

Accept thoughts/feelings, commit to behavioral change.

Why is toxic productivity harmful?

It invalidates people’s feelings and can worsen depression.