Which of the following best characterizes self-evaluation maintenance theory?
A) People are motivated to maintain a consistent self-concept, even if the concept is not always favorable
B) The success of a close other can either threaten or enhance a person's self-views, depending on the self-relevance of the domain of the success
C) Positive illusions about the self and one's abilities can function as a psychological "buffer" to mitigate the effects of self-threats
D) Motivation to have an accurate view of one's self leads people to assess their strengths as well as their weaknesses

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Self-evaluation maintenance theory suggests that the achievements of people close to us can impact our self-esteem in different ways, depending on whether we see their area of success as relevant to our own self-concept. If the domain is highly relevant to us, their success might threaten our self-view, but if it's not, their success might actually boost our self-esteem.

Which of the Following Best Characterizes Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory