Self-esteem is the evaluation of our self-concept. We often think that high self-esteem is beneficial and although it often is, there is a dark side. When high self-esteem mixes with narcissism it can be an issue. An interesting study done by Bushman & Baumeister (1998) demonstrates how these individuals react to insult (See below). The results suggest that contrary to our beliefs these individuals aren’t suffering from low self-esteem, and they are hiding it with an over-inflated sense of self. They evaluate themselves highly and are narcissistic. What do you believe are the consequences based on the findings for society? Do you think our focus on self (selfies, social media) is increasing narcissism? What could we do to combat the rising narcissism?
http://persweb.wabash.edu/facstaff/hortonr/articles%20for%20class/Bushman%20and%20Baumeister.pdf (Links to an external site.)
Define social comparison. How do we use it on a daily basis? What is the difference between upward and downward comparison, give an example of each? What is the most helpful type of social comparison for discovering how you fit in any particular situation? How does this connect with the concept of self-esteem?
