LE3 .A278 2022

2022

Hayes, Joseph

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Psychology

Psychology

Despite the mental and physical health benefits associated with having high self-esteem, individuals with low self-esteem show resistance to increasing their self-view. A possible explanation for this resistance to pursue high self-esteem may involve goal regulation, in which activating approach towards a goal of self-esteem lowers depression associated with low self-esteem, but elicits anxiety. However, withdrawing from the goal of self-esteem would alleviate the anxiety, but elicit depression. In two studies (N = 1,139), I test this hypothesis of motivational conflict within individuals with low self-esteem, in which increased desire for self- esteem relates to elevated anxiety and reduced depression, and vice versa for those with lower desire to pursue self-esteem. Though motivational conflict was observed, the pattern of results through the anticipated process (i.e., by virtue of increasing desire for self-esteem) was contrary to the hypothesis. Additionally, individuals with low self-esteem were shown to resist engaging in the manipulation intended to activate goal approach. Thus, though motivational conflict was observed in the current research, further exploration is required to determine the underlying mechanism of low self-esteem maintenance.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3731