Relations between Self-Esteem Dimensions and Fundamental Social Motives

Abstract

The article presents the concept of fundamental social motives, which is novel for Polish readers, and its relations with self-esteem. The studies conducted so far suggest that there may be signifi-cant correlations between various dimensions of self-esteem and fundamental motives focused on interpersonal relations (affiliation motives and mate acquisition/retention motives). Data was collected from a sample of N = 363 subjects in order to find predictors for the level and stability of self-esteem. The results include correlations between 11 scales measuring fundamental motives and self-esteem dimensions: Its level and instability. Multiple regression analyses with self-esteem measures as explained variables and motives related to sociometer theory as explanatory variables were also conducted. The article presents a detailed discussion of regression analysis results for male and female samples. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.