Self-evaluation maintenance theory

The theory of the maintenance of self-assessment (English self -evaluation maintenance model) is one of Tesser (1988 ) developed the theory that one can understand the individual's self -esteem as the result of a dynamic process. The basic assumption is that people are striving to maximize their self-esteem (theory of the self ( value) protection and self (value) increase).

Self-esteem is considered to be dependent on two independently running processes:

• The process of reflection,
• The social comparison process.

The reflection process is reflected in the individual's tendency to associate with other people who have shown in (power) situations to be successful. It corresponds to the " basking in reflected glory". The social comparison process refers to the tendency of people, social comparisons with others to perform ( cf. theory of social comparison ). The strength of both processes depend on whether a high Vs. low performance results of a target person and whether this the assessing person stands close ( " unit relationship " within the meaning of Heider, 1958). Under close is a psychological understood " unity " that is reflected in that the target person eg matches in their age, gender, nationality, their attitudes, values ​​, hobbies or family background with the judging person.

The occurrence of process of reflection and social comparison process depends on the extent to which the behavior shown by the target person relates to a sphere that is for the person of high or low relevance. When the power sphere has a low relevance, self-esteem is regulated in the first place by the process of reflection. However, if the power sphere of high relevance, self-esteem is influenced more by the social comparison process.

The model of the maintenance of the self- assessment eg get great significance in close relationships, especially the partners - the quality of the relationship not to compromise - not only their own self-assessment, but also that of their partner / her partner must not endanger. The model of the maintenance of self-assessment has overlaps with the theory of narcissism (cf. Tesser, 1991, 1992, and Willi, 1975, to the concept of " collusion ").

Explanation: At high relevance ( = the social comparison process receives relative to the reflection process greater impact on the self- regulation ), if a friend of fellow student in the specialized field, for which the assessor very interested, shows an excellent performance, it is one's own ability " make it big ," questioned. The expected response, then, is to protect one's self -esteem by reducing the performance of fellow students. At low relevance ( = the reflection process receives relative to the social comparison process more influence in the self- regulation ) is expected: If a friend of fellow student confident in a subject that is beyond the personal interest of the judging person is trying to self-esteem by establishing a link with to increase this successful person by emphasizing the close (see Tesser, 1988).