Contingencies of Self-Worth and Positive Emotions in College Students
Public Deposited- Last Modified
- February 26, 2019
- Creator
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Caldera, Carolina
- Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
- Abstract
- Unhealthy contingencies of self-worth, or areas in an individual's life which predicts rises and falls in self-esteem, such as appearance or academic competence, can lead to unfavorable outcomes, such as body image issues, financial problems, and low self-esteem and well-being. This study demonstrates how a simple writing task focused on a healthier contingency of self-worth such as family support can increase momentary positive emotions. Positive emotions can combat the negative consequences of an unhealthy contingency of self-worth by broadening an individual’s momentary thought-action repertoires, and building on an individual's momentary and personal resources, leading them on an upward spiral of well-being. One hundred and nine participants were asked to complete a series of questionnaires and then write a short essay detailing a time when they felt especially supported by their families. They also completed two mazes as a test of broadened cognition. The results show that the experimental writing task significantly increased positive emotions in individuals who based their self-worth on healthy as well as unhealthy contingencies.
- Date of publication
- spring 2014
- Keyword
- DOI
- Resource type
- Rights statement
- In Copyright
- Note
- Funding: None
- Advisor
- Fredrickson, Barbara
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
- Honors level
- Honors
- Degree granting institution
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Extent
- 39
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