ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we focus on the distinction between fragile and secure forms of self-esteem and the implications it has for defensiveness and insecurity. Although this distinction is not new (e.g., Horney, 1950), only recently has it received substantial empirical and theoretical attention. We begin by defining what we mean by fragile and secure self-esteem. We then discuss research focusing on how these forms of self-esteem relate to various forms of defensiveness, including verbal defensiveness, anger/hostility proneness, and heightened reactivity to perceived partner “transgressions.” We close by briefly focusing on the constructs of authenticity (Kernis & Goldman, 2006a) and mindfulness (Brown & Ryan, 2003; Heppner, Kernis, Lakey et al., 2007) and suggest that they have implications for promoting secure forms of self-esteem.
