Self-Esteem and Positive Illusion in Romantic Relationship

Paper Summary:

This research proposal examines the relationship between self-esteem and the quality of romance in terms of the couples' perceived regard and their own satisfaction of the relationship. The paper aims to describe the importance of positive illusion as a mediator of the perception of the intimates. The paper discusses the benefits and drawbacks of such positivity and how it relates to self-esteem. The paper further discusses the impact it has on the relationship quality and whether illusion or reality is more important?

Outline:
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion

From the Paper:

"People with high self-esteem are somehow more motivated to repair their mood and are more likely to take the initiative to action in some way that would make them happier. (Heimpel et al. 2002) High self-esteem beings are more satisfied with their intimate relationships due to protection of self-worth and positive illusions. However, as much as these individuals idealize their relationship with their partner, there bound to be times when the conflict is too perceptible that challenges their belief in a perfect relationship; this should be when high and low self-esteem people differ with each other. If high self-esteem people do indeed have higher motivation to make themselves feel better; the hypothesis is that when positive illusions cannot play a role in repairing the negative feeling towards the relationship because the conflict is too overt, there is a high likelihood for high self-worth individuals to adopt the approach commitment (rather than the avoidance commitment) which is proven to be positively associated with relationship satisfaction. In other words, the reason for the tendency for high self-esteem people be more satisfied with their relationships is that their style of commitment which can enhance the intimate relationship. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Burns, David D., Sayers, Steven L., Moras, Karla (1994). Intimate relationships and depression: Is there a casual connection? Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 62(5), 1033-1043.
• Downey, Geraldine, Feldman, Scott I (1996). Implications of rejection sensitivity for intimate relationships. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 70(6), 1327-1343.
• Erez, Amir, Judge, Timothy A (2001). Relationship of core self-evaluations to goal setting, motivation, and performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(6), 1270-1279.
• Fletcher, Garth J. O., Rosanowski, Janette, Fitness, Julie (1994). Automatic processing in intimate contexts: The role of close-relationship beliefs. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 67(5), 888-897.
• Fletcher, Garth J. O., Simpson, Jeffry A., Thomas, Geoff, Giles, Louise (1999). Ideals in intimate relationships. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 76(1), 72-89.

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