Why self-esteem might exist
Humans depended on groups to survive, so being excluded carried heavy costs. Sociometer theory argues that self-esteem evolved to monitor this risk. A drop in self-esteem works like a warning light, prompting a person to attend to their standing and repair relationships.
Evidence
In experiments, feedback suggesting rejection tends to lower people's state self-esteem, while feedback suggesting acceptance tends to raise it. Longitudinal research suggests that good relationships and self-esteem influence each other over time, in line with the theory's broad claims.
Limits and implications
If the theory is right, trying to raise self-esteem directly is like tampering with a fuel gauge rather than filling the tank. Critics respond that some self-esteem seems to depend on competence and personal standards, not only on acceptance, and that people vary widely in how sensitive their gauge is.
Further reading
- Leary, M. R., Tambor, E. S., Terdal, S. K., & Downs, D. L. (1995). Self-esteem as an interpersonal monitor: The sociometer hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 68, 518-530.
- Leary, M. R., & Baumeister, R. F. (2000). The nature and function of self-esteem: Sociometer theory. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 32, 1-62.