The interpersonal consequences of inflated self-esteem in an inpatient psychiatric youth sample

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2001 Aug;69(4):712-6.

Abstract

This study tested R. F. Baumeister, L. Smart, and J. M. Boden's (1996) theory of inflated self-esteem with an inpatient psychiatric youth sample. Participants were assessed on their self-reported self-esteem, self-reported interpersonal problems, and peer rejection (measured by evaluations from 3 or 4 peers). Consistent with the hypotheses, those with low self-esteem reported the most interpersonal problems, followed consecutively by the moderate self-esteem group and then the high self-esteem group, who reported the fewest interpersonal problems. Also in line with the hypotheses, those with low and high self-esteem were rejected by their peers when compared with the moderate self-esteem group. Thus, the high self-esteem group was rejected by their peers but did not themselves report interpersonal problems. These findings provide further support for Baumeister et al.'s theory and generalize the theory to a clinical setting.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology*
  • Child Behavior Disorders / therapy
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Mood Disorders / psychology*
  • Mood Disorders / therapy
  • Patient Admission*
  • Peer Group*
  • Personality Assessment
  • Rejection, Psychology
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Environment
  • Sociometric Techniques