Relationships with peers are often foremost in 12-year-old Jonathan's mind and can have a huge impact on his emotional state. For example, when classmates treat him well, he's quite happy and self-assured, but when someone snubs him or makes fun of him, he becomes very depressed and thinks, "No one likes me." Which one of the following concepts related to motivation best explains Jonathan's significant mood swings?
A) Contingent self-worth
B) Self-handicapping
C) Self-actualization
D) Need for achievement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Contingent self-worth refers to the belief that one's self-worth is dependent on external factors, such as others' approval or success in certain areas (in this case, social relationships with peers). Jonathan's mood swings suggest that his self-worth is contingent on how well he is treated by his classmates, and thus his emotional state reflects this dependence on external validation.

Relationships with Peers Are Often Foremost in 12-Year-Old Jonathan's Mind