Self-Esteem Research Glossary
This comprehensive glossary defines key terminology used in self-esteem research and confidence studies. Understanding these concepts is essential for interpreting research findings and engaging with psychological literature on self-evaluation.
A-C
- Autonomy
- One of three basic psychological needs in Self-Determination Theory, referring to the need to experience volition and self-endorsement in one's actions. Satisfaction of autonomy needs supports authentic self-esteem development.
- Contingent Self-Esteem
- Self-esteem that depends on achieving specific outcomes, meeting external standards, or obtaining others' approval. Contrast with true or secure self-esteem that remains stable across situations and outcomes.
- Crocker and Wolfe's Contingencies of Self-Worth
- A framework identifying seven domains on which people may base their self-esteem: others' approval, appearance, competition, academic competence, family support, virtue, and God's love.
- Cronbach's Alpha
- A measure of internal consistency reliability, indicating how closely items in a scale are related. Values above 0.70 are generally considered acceptable for research measures like self-esteem scales.
D-F
- Domain-Specific Self-Esteem
- Self-evaluation in particular areas such as academic competence, social skills, or physical appearance. Distinct from global self-esteem, which represents overall self-evaluation.
- Ego Threat
- Any situation or information that threatens one's self-image or self-evaluation. Individuals with fragile high self-esteem often show exaggerated responses to ego threats.
- Explicit Self-Esteem
- Self-evaluation assessed through self-report measures requiring conscious introspection. Typically measured by scales like the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
- False Self-Esteem
- Positive self-evaluation that lacks genuine foundation, often based on denial, self-deception, or unrealistic standards. Distinguished from authentic self-esteem based on realistic self-assessment.
- Fragile High Self-Esteem
- High self-esteem that is easily threatened and requires continual validation. Associated with defensive reactions, anger, and aggression when challenged.
G-I
- Global Self-Esteem
- Overall evaluation of one's worth as a person, combining assessments across various domains into a general self-judgment. The focus of most self-esteem research and measurement.
- Implicit Association Test (IAT)
- A computer-based measure assessing the strength of automatic associations between concepts. The self-esteem IAT measures associations between self-concepts and positive/negative attributes.
- Implicit Self-Esteem
- Automatic, non-conscious evaluation of self assessed through indirect measures like the IAT or name-letter preference. Modestly correlated with explicit self-esteem.
- Internal Consistency
- The degree to which items on a scale measure the same construct. High internal consistency indicates that scale items are interrelated and likely assess a unified concept.
N-R
- Narcissism
- A personality trait characterized by grandiosity, entitlement, and lack of empathy. Distinguished from healthy self-esteem by its defensive, contingent nature and vulnerability to ego threat.
- Need for Self-Esteem
- The proposed fundamental motivation to maintain positive feelings about oneself. Some theories (e.g., sociometer theory) question whether this is a distinct need or serves other functions.
- Psychological Needs
- In Self-Determination Theory, the innate requirements for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Satisfaction of these needs supports authentic self-esteem development.
- Relatedness
- The need to feel connected to and cared for by others. One of three basic psychological needs in SDT; satisfaction supports secure self-esteem.
- Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
- The most widely used measure of global self-esteem, consisting of 10 items assessing feelings of self-worth and self-acceptance. Developed by Morris Rosenberg in 1965.
S-Z
- Secure High Self-Esteem
- Genuine, stable positive self-evaluation that does not require continual external validation. Associated with positive outcomes and resilience.
- Self-Compassion
- Treating oneself with kindness during difficult times, recognizing shared human experience, and maintaining balanced awareness of negative emotions. Related to but distinct from self-esteem.
- Self-Concept
- The cognitive component of self-knowledge, encompassing beliefs about one's characteristics, abilities, and traits. Broader than self-esteem, which involves evaluative components.
- Self-Efficacy
- Beliefs about one's capabilities to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific outcomes. Domain-specific rather than global; distinct from but related to self-esteem.
- Sociometer Theory
- Theory proposing that self-esteem functions as an internal monitor of social acceptance, not as an end in itself. Low self-esteem signals potential social exclusion.
- State Self-Esteem
- Temporary fluctuations in momentary self-evaluation, influenced by immediate experiences and contexts. Contrasts with trait self-esteem as a stable individual difference.
- Test-Retest Reliability
- The stability of measurement over time, assessed by administering the same measure to the same individuals at different times. High test-retest reliability indicates a measure assesses a stable construct.
- Trait Self-Esteem
- Stable individual differences in chronic self-evaluation tendencies. Measured by standard self-esteem scales and showing moderate stability over years.