Sociometer Theory of Self-Esteem
Internal Monitoring System Measuring Social Inclusion and Exclusion
Nov 6, 2009
Self-esteem is the mechanism by which human beings assess their self-worth in comparison to the rest of their social group.
Sociometer Theory explains the need and function of human self-esteem by stating that the sociometer is an internal gauge that moderates human behaviour to ensure that exclusion from the social group is unlikely to occur (Leary & Downs, 1995). It is an evolutionary based psychological theory referring to the fact that in earlier civilisations exclusion from a social group could result in the death of an individual.
The Role and Function of Self-Esteem According to Sociometer Theory
Sociometer theory was initially theorised by Leary and Downs (1995) who stated that self-esteem is a mechanism by which an individual can assess their behaviour and current standing in his or her social group. Leary and Downs (1995) suggested that the sociometer, which they describe as being like a fuel gauge in a motor vehicle, is an internal system for monitoring a person’s environment for cues that the person is being excluded or avoided.
According to Leary and Downs (1995), when the internal sociometer notes that there is a potential for exclusion, a negative affect is felt in the person; for example if a behaviour leads to being ignored or ridiculed, the person undertaking the behaviour may feel bad or upset.
Kirkpatrick and Ellis (2003) expanded on Leary and Downs’ (1995) Sociometer Theory by suggesting that self-esteem has separate functions and domains across the human psyche, in order to monitor various types of social interactions and accordingly it is possible for there to be more than one internal sociometer. Kirkpatrick and Ellis (2003) suggested that the sociometer’s function was not only to ensure that an individual was not excluded from their social group but also to rate the strength of the social group compared to other groups.
The Evidence Base For Sociometer Theory
There is not a conclusive answer as to the theoretical basis of self-esteem. Empirical research in relation to Sociometer Theory has been undertaken by Anthony, Wood and Holmes (2007) and Denissen, Penkie, Schmitt and van Aken (2008).
Anthony, Wood and Holmes (2007) tested Sociometer Theory’s ability to explain and guide social behaviour. The researchers found that people with low levels of self-esteem were likely to express low levels of confidence in relation to being accepted by a new social group. Conversely and in accordance with the principles of Sociometer Theory, people with high levels of self-esteem did not report a fear of being rejected by the group (Anthony, Wood and Holmes, 2007).
Denissen, Penke, Schmitt and van Aken’s (2008) research into close social relationships and self-esteem also supported the principles of Sociometer Theory. Denissen, Penke, Schmitt and van Aken (2008) found that day to day self-esteem is affected by the quality of interactions with family members and close friends. Sociometer Theory states that self-esteem’s function is to monitor the environment for clues that behaviours are likely to result in exclusion from the social group.
The Sociometer Theory of self-esteem states that the purpose of self-esteem in human beings is to act as a behaviour monitor ensuring that the likelihood of exclusion from the social group is low. It has not been proved conclusively that the internal fuel gauge of the sociometer is responsible for individual feelings of self-esteem and self worth.
Sources:
Anthony, D. B., Wood, J. V., & Holmes, J. G. (2007). "Testing sociometer theory: self-esteem and the importance of acceptance for social decision-making." Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 43, 425-432.
Denissen, J. J. A., Penke, L., Schmitt, D. P., & van Aken, M. A. G. (2008). "Self-esteem reactions to social interactions: evidence for sociometer mechanisms across days, people and nations." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(1), 181-196.
Kirkpatrick, L. A., & Ellis, B. J. (2003). "An evolutionary-psychological approach to self-esteem: multiple domains and multiple functions." In G. J. O. Fletcher & M. S. Clark (Eds.), Blackwell Handbook of Social Psychology: Interpersonal Processes (pp 411-435). Padstow, Cornwall, England: Blackwell Publishers Ltd
Leary, M. R., & Downs, D. L. (1995). "Interpersonal functions of the self-esteem motive." In M. H. Kernis (Ed), Efficacy, Agency and Self-Esteem (pp. 123-144). New York: Plenum Press.
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