Date of Award
8-2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Scott Allison
Second Advisor
Dr. Dafna Eylon
Third Advisor
Dr. Catherine Bagwell
Abstract
Differences related to self-esteem and their possible influences on perceptions of underdogs were investigated. Global self-esteem and stability of self-esteem were evaluated using The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Participants' self-esteem was threatened by using the false feedback technique. Finally, perceptions of a competition between an underdog and a top dog were evaluated. The results demonstrated that although participants with stable and unstable self-esteem favor the underdog, participants with unstable self-esteem favor the underdog even more than the participants with stable self-esteem. The findings reinforce the robustness of the underdog effect and highlight a consequence of having unstable self-esteem.
Recommended Citation
Dyjak, Kelly, "Self-esteem and the underdog : why stability of self-esteem matters in social situations" (2005). Master's Theses. 666.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/masters-theses/666