The Influence of Self-Esteem on Subjective Well-Being: From the Perspective of Contingencies of Self-Worth

Abstract

This study investigated the relation between three types of self-esteem and subjective well-being (SWB). The three types of self-esteem are sense of superiority, others' approval, and uniqueness. Self-acceptance and praise seeking were examined as parameters. A questionnaire measuring the three types of self-esteem, SWB, self-acceptance and praise seeking was completed by 254 university students. The results showed the following. Sense of superiority and others' approval have direct positive effects on SWB, but sense of uniqueness did not. Sense of superiority had an indirect negative effect on SWB through praise seeking. This study suggests that the relation between self-esteem and SWB varies with the domains of contingencies of self-worth, and the parameters are likely to intensify or weaken the effects of self-esteem on SWB.View full abstract