(Homo Narcissus – Our Inflated Species-Esteem, part 2 of 3)
If it does bring bliss, ignorance of our animal nature (and/or the denial of it) does so through protecting an inflated sense of species-esteem, and ultimately, self-worth.
Self-esteem is one of those concepts often used but little understood – by everyone, including psychologists. The concept is poorly defined and has been little tested. Behind the term we primarily find assumptions about the what, how, and why of it. Some recent research has shown, for example, that low self-esteem is not a hazard once assumed, nor is raising self-esteem a panacea.
What is self-esteem? It appears to consist of thoughts and, more importantly, feelings we have about ourselves. Thus the “self” in self-esteem. But where does it come from and what is it for? One of the better theories on self-esteem I have encountered is called the “social-meter theory.” I originally read about it in a paper titled, “Self-esteem as an interpersonal monitor: The sociometer hypothesis.” (1) The theory asserts that our self-esteem consists of perceptions of group inclusion and exclusion. When we are accepted by the groups we value, we feel good about ourselves; when we are rejected (or at least perceive rejection), we feel bad. “Sociometer theory posits a fundamental human need to belong to social groups and to form bonds with others.” (2)
I am drawn to this theory for it explains what self-esteem is for in a way that is not disconnected from our nature as a species — in particular, our social nature. Certainly, the theory is not perfect, and self-esteem is much more complicated than a red-light/green-light model of perceived social belonging. For instance, one of the strongest influences on our self-esteem, if not the strongest, is our individual temperament. Self-esteem shows considerable consistency throughout the life span, suggesting that it may be more of a trait of who we are rather than a consequence of what we experience. Nevertheless, some work has been done on the influence of group inclusion and/or exclusion on self-esteem, and there does appear to be a link, however transient.
Rather than being some disembodied yet central psychological force, self-esteem may serve a down-to-earth function. “Rather than serving primarily to maintain one’s inner sense of self, the self-esteem motive prompts people to behave in ways that maintain their connections with other people.” (3)
How does this pertain to religion? By-and-large, religion is a group phenomenon. People worship as groups and identify themselves as group members. I am a Christian; I am a Catholic, I am a Methodist, I am an Orthodox Jew, I am a Rastafarian. It is possible that a significant part of religion’s appeal is its ability to make members feel included. When you perceive that you are included, that you belong, you tend to feel good. “State self?esteem appears to function as a subjective marker that reflects, in summary fashion, the individual’s social standing in a particular social setting and thus serves to apprise the individual of changes in his or her inclusionary status.” (4)
Relatively recent research on the influence of perceived acceptance by others on our self-evaluations (i.e., self-esteem), shows a sure link, at least in the short-term. (5) This finding may further pertain to religion in this important regard: by perceiving a special relationship with an invisible other, it is possible that individuals feel better and thus the behavior of believing is reinforced.
As a compelling tangent, one of the findings of the previously mentioned study is that the self-evaluations of those with high anxiety were more strongly influenced by the perceived liking by others than those with low anxiety.(6) Which brings up this thought (and a possible test of a link between social and emotional needs and religious behavior): In times of stress are people more likely to reach out for the welcoming hand of an imaginary other?
A popular bumper sticker here in the Bible Belt reads, “Smile, God Loves You.” Evangelists of all strips assert that a special relationship with the great Invisible awaits you. All you have to do is perceive it, and you will smile. And feel better.
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(1) Leary, M. R., Tambor, E. S., Terdal, S. K., & Downs, D. L., “Self-esteem as an interpersonal monitor: The sociometer hypothesis,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1995, 68 No. 3, p. 518 – 530
(2) Srivastava, S., & Beer, J., “How Self-Evaluations Relate to Being Liked by Others: Integrating Sociometer and Attachment Perspectives,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2005, Vol. 89, No. 6, p. 966
(3) Leary, M. R., Tambor, E. S., Terdal, S. K., & Downs, D. L., “Self-esteem as an interpersonal monitor: The sociometer hypothesis,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1995, 68 No. 3, p.529
(4) Leary, M. R., Tambor, E. S., Terdal, S. K., & Downs, D. L., “Self?esteem as an interpersonal monitor: The sociometer hypothesis,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1995, 68, No. 3, p.528
(5) Srivastava, S., & Beer, J., “How Self-Evaluations Relate to Being Liked by Others: Integrating Sociometer and Attachment Perspectives,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2005, Vol. 89, No. 6, p. 970
(6) Srivastava, S., & Beer, J., “How Self-Evaluations Relate to Being Liked by Others: Integrating Sociometer and Attachment Perspectives,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2005, Vol. 89, No. 6, p.973
[First appeared here: http://almightyalpha.blogspot.com/2007/10/boosting-self-esteem-via-supernatural.html]
