Showing papers by "Roy F. Baumeister published in 1989"

Self-Presentational Motivations and Personality Differences in Self-Esteem

Abstract: This article discusses the interpersonal motivations associated with different levels of self-esteem. Although self-esteem literally refers to an intrapsychic attitude, we propose that self-esteem scales often measure a self-presentational orientation. High self-esteem scores are associated with a tendency to present oneself in a self-enhancing fashion that is characterized by willingness to accept risks, focus on outstandingly good qualities, strategic ploys, and calling attention to self. Low self-esteem scores are associated with a tendency to present oneself in a self-protective fashion that is characterized by unwillingness to accept risks, focus on avoiding outstandingly bad qualities, avoidance of many strategic ploys, and reluctance to draw attention to self. Considerable evidence shows that most people rate themselves as above average on self-esteem scales; relatively few people score below any self-esteem scale's conceptual midpoint. Review of past literature yields the following conclusions: (a) Low scores on self-esteem scales are typically the result of neutral and intermediate rather than self-derogatory responses to scale items; (b) behavioral correlates of measured self-esteem sometimes depend on self-presentational variables such as audience presence; and (c) many past findings with self-esteem scales may be interpretable in self-presentational terms.

The Optimal Margin of Illusion

Abstract: This article proposes that optimal psychological functioning is associated with a slight to moderate degree of distortion in one's perception of self and world. Past evidence suggests that substantial distortions provide a dangerous basis for action, yet recent research has shown that highly accurate perceptions are associated with depression and other maladaptive patterns. By seeing things as only slightly better than they really are, the individual may enjoy the affective benefits of illusions while avoiding the pragmatic, behavioral risks of acting on false assumptions. Departures from this optimal margin of illusion are associated with risks and difficulties, and power hierarchies may be an important arena for studying these problems.

Masochism and the Self

Abstract: Contents: Why is Masochism Interesting?. Overview of Main Ideas. Masochism, Culture, and History. Essentials of Masochism. Satisfactons of Masochism. Masochism and Sexual Pleasure. Femininity, Masculinity, and Masochism. Sadism. Clinical Implications. Conclusion.

The Problem of Life’s Meaning

Abstract: Some years ago I became interested in understanding the modern dilemma of identity: identity crisis, finding oneself, knowing oneself, being all that you can be—these phrases are so familiar that they have become cliches I wanted to understand why our whole society, in general, and our social sciences, in particular, had become so concerned with the self

Identity Development and the Role Structure of Children's Games

Abstract: We explored the relationship between structural features of games and age patterns in children's preferences, based on the assumption that the features of game roles would reflect the progress of identity development. Game roles progressed from the simple enactment of preassigned, stable roles, to discrete shifts between roles (based on achievement of certain criteria), to roles associated with hierarchical measurement along continuous, evaluative standards. This pattern fits some views of identity development. In addition, older children preferred games in which the roles were associated with specific goals, games based on switching roles (or involving continuous roles superimposed on alternating sub-roles), games involving oppositional relationships among roles, and games measuring the competence of role performance. Supplementary findings suggested that, with advancing age, children favor games with more structure and requirements for cooperative interaction, less make-believe, and clearly spe...