Self-Esteem and Interpersonal Perception
Date of Award
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Graham, Steven
Keywords
Self-Esteem, Interpersonal Perception, IPT, Interpersonal Perception Test
Area of Concentration
Psychology
Abstract
Is there a relationship between self-esteem and interpersonal perception? The present paper argues that there is. Sociometer theory claims that self-esteem acts as an indicator to the individual of his or her level of social inclusion or exclusion; individuals who are more socially included have higher self-esteem. Being more socially included allows for people to have more interactions with others, and in turn, more practice making judgments about them. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that individuals with higher self-esteem have more accurate perceptions of others than those with low self-esteem. Forty-nine participants (19 males, 30 females; 79.6% Caucasian, 16.3% Hispanic, 6.1% Asian, 4.1% African American) completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Interpersonal Perception Task (IPT; 15 short video clips with accompanying questions), the Emotional Sensitivity Subscale (ESS) of the Social Skills Inventory, and answered questions intended to tap levels of social inclusion. Results were consistent with sociometer theory as well as with the present hypothesis. Participants with higher self-esteem scores also reported higher levels of social inclusion; additionally, higher self-esteem was associated with higher IPT scores. Interestingly, however, the ESS and the IPT were not significantly correlated. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Reischer, Lior, "Self-Esteem and Interpersonal Perception" (2011). Theses & ETDs. 4449.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4449
Rights
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