ABSTRACT
Self-esteem is usually broadly defined as a person’s overall evaluation of, or attitude toward, her- or himself (James, 1890; Leary & MacDonald, 2003; Pyszczynski, Greenberg, Solomon, Arndt, & Schimel, 2004). However, vigorous disagreement exists regarding precisely what self-esteem is and why people experience it in the way that they do. In this chapter, I argue that self-esteem can be best understood as a reflection of an individual’s sense of her or his acceptability to important others. I begin by defining the self and describing my view of its evolutionary roots. I then critically examine two theories that argue for an interpersonal role of self-esteem, Sociometer Theory (Leary & Baumeister, 2000) and Terror Management Theory (Pyszczynski et al., 2004). Specifically, I examine these theories in light of evolutionary and cultural considerations. Next, I consider some similarities and differences between the two theories with an eye towards a unified approach. Finally, I critique a third perspective that has been critical of the interpersonal approach to self-esteem, Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1995). I conclude that self-esteem reflects the operation of prehuman safety-promotion mechanisms elaborated through uniquely human systems of meaning.
