Personality Correlates and Sex Differences in the Topological Representations of Self and Others

Abstract

This investigation attempted to identify the underlying components of the Social Self-Esteem measure. Although devised to function as a brief nonverbal measure of self-esteem applicable to a wide range of special populations, understanding of the measure remained limited. Relationships of this measure to related personality constructs and socioeconomic variables were examined to develop a clearer picture of what the Social Self-Esteem measure is actually assessing. Results indicated that the personality factor Capacity for Status was significantly related to the measure's assessment only among males. it was suggested that the Social Self-Esteem measure assesses some aspect Of what may be termed an individual's status ideal. The usefulness of differentiating scoring levels on the measure is demonstrated. Reasons for the lack of measurement usefulness among females were discussed, in terms of continued reliance among females upon significant others for status satisfaction.