An Implicit Theory of Self-Esteem: The Consequences of Perceived Self-Esteem for Romantic Desirability

Abstract

The provision of information appears to be an important property of self-esteem as evidenced by previous research concerning the status-tracking and status-signaling models of self-esteem. The present studies examine whether there is an implicit theory of self-esteem that leads individuals to assume targets with higher levels of self-esteem possess more desirable characteristics than those with lower levels of self-esteem. Across 6 studies, targets with ostensibly higher levels of self-esteem were generally rated as more attractive and as more desirable relationship partners than those with lower levels of self-esteem. It is important to note, however, that this general trend did not consistently emerge for female targets. Rather, female targets with high self-esteem were often evaluated less positively than those with more moderate levels of self-esteem. The present findings are discussed in the context of an extended informational model of self-esteem consisting of both the status-tracking and status-signaling properties of self-esteem.

The Status‐Signaling Property of Self‐Esteem: The Role of Self‐Reported Self‐Esteem and Perceived Self‐Esteem in Personality Judgments

“…If an individual behaves as if he or she has high self‐esteem, then this person may be perceived in a positive manner by others as long as there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that he or she does not possess the abilities and accomplishments that would actually warrant high self‐esteem. This has been demonstrated in previous studies showing that manipulating the ostensible self‐esteem level of a target influences evaluations of the target on other dimensions (Zeigler‐Hill & Besser, ; Zeigler‐Hill & Myers, , ). For example, individuals who are believed to possess high self‐esteem are often assumed to have other desirable characteristics, such as political competence (Zeigler‐Hill & Myers, ) and romantic desirability (Zeigler‐Hill & Besser, ; Zeigler‐Hill & Myers, ).…”

Misperceiving grandiose narcissism as self‐esteem: Why narcissists are well liked at zero acquaintance

“…Together, these studies suggest that narcissists are initially well liked because perceivers focus on perceptions that narcissists have especially high self‐esteem and neglect perceptions of their narcissism, even for dating profile pictures. Our studies thus identify a mechanism for narcissists’ initial popularity: Narcissists are better liked than less narcissistic individuals because they are perceived to have higher self‐esteem (which is interpersonally valued; Cameron et al, ; Zeigler‐Hill & Myers, ). We also demonstrate that perceivers like narcissistic targets more than targets with equally high self‐esteem who are less narcissistic.…”

“…People rely on perceptions of self‐esteem, for instance, to draw extensive inferences about others. People like others whom they perceive to have higher self‐esteem and infer that they possess many positive qualities (e.g., extraversion, competence; Cameron, McGregor, & Kwang, ; Cameron, Stinson, Hoplock, Hole, & Schellenberg, ; Zeigler‐Hill & Besser, ; Zeigler‐Hill & Myers, ; Zeigler‐Hill, Besser, Myers, Southard, & Malkin, ). Because people associate high self‐esteem with desirable qualities, we expect them to like narcissists more to the extent that they perceive them to have higher self‐esteem.…”

Self-esteem and Evaluations of Targets with Ostensibly Different Levels of Self-worth

“…For example, the perceived self-esteem of targets has been shown to have an impact on judgments concerning their desirability as potential mates (Zeigler-Hill & Myers, 2011). This pattern emerged consistently across six studies that used various techniques to manipulate the ostensible self-esteem of the targets by providing information about the targets such as their e-mail address (e.g., Email: confidenceissexy@gmail.com vs. Email: justaloser2007@hot-mail.com) or the reward they selected for their participation in an earlier session (e.g., choosing a t-shirt with either "I Love Myself" or "I Hate Myself" emblazoned across the front).…”