Effects of Contingent Self-Esteem on Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Behavior

Contingent self-esteem, or self-worth hinged upon successfully meeting standards or attaining goals, requires continual maintenance and validation. Despite the inherent instability that accompanies contingent self-esteem, relatively little is known about how it relates to markers of mental health. A...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Death studies 2014-01, Vol.38 (9), p.563-570
Main Authors: Lakey, Chad E., Hirsch, Jameson K., Nelson, Lyndsay A., Nsamenang, Sheri A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
College students
Defense Mechanisms
Depression - psychology
Female
Health technology assessment
Humans
Internal-External Control
Interpersonal Relations
Male
Mental depression
Mental Health
Risk assessment
Risk Factors
Self Concept
Self esteem
Students - psychology
Suicide, Attempted - psychology
Suicides & suicide attempts
Young Adult
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Summary:Contingent self-esteem, or self-worth hinged upon successfully meeting standards or attaining goals, requires continual maintenance and validation. Despite the inherent instability that accompanies contingent self-esteem, relatively little is known about how it relates to markers of mental health. A sample of 371 college students completed measures of self-esteem, contingent self-esteem, suicidal behaviors, and depression. Individuals with fragile low self-esteem, described as highly contingent, reported greater depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior. Among those with secure high self-esteem, or high yet noncontingent, depression and suicide risk were markedly lower. Therapeutically promoting positive but noncontingent self-worth may reduce poor mental health outcomes.
ISSN:0748-1187
1091-7683
DOI:10.1080/07481187.2013.809035