Relational Self‐Worth: Differences in Perceived Worth as a Person across Interpersonal Contexts among Adolescents

Abstract

The present study investigated the hypothesis that in addition to perceptions of one's global self-worth as a person, individuals evaluate their self-worth differently across relational contexts. Perceptions of self-worth among adolescents were examined in 4 such contexts: with parents, teachers, male classmates, and female classmates. The factor pattern revealed a clear, 4-factor solution with negligible cross-loadings. Approximately three-fourths of the participants reported differences in self-worth, ranging from small to large, across contexts. To examine the basis for differences and similarities across relationships, self-worth in each context was predicted by the validation support reported by adolescents in that context. Support in a given context was significantly more highly correlated with relational self-worth in the corresponding context than in any of the other contexts. Adolescents could be divided into subgroups based upon the high correlation between self-worth in one particular context and global self-worth. These findings suggest that how an individual evaluates the self in certain relationships is critical to his or her overall sense of worth as a person.

Social Support and Neighborhood Stressors Among African American Youth: Networks and Relations to Self-Worth

“…Global self-worth is a discrete value judgment that a person makes regarding him or herself that is greater than the sum of domain-specific self-competencies (Harter et al 1998). Theorists posit that adolescents have variability in their sense of global self-worth as their identities develop within the context of different relationships (e.g., Harter et al 1998; Rosenberg 1986). High self-worth may protect adolescents from problems and lead to better socio-emotional adjustment (Owens 1994).…”

Future-oriented or present-focused? The role of social support and identity styles on ‘futuring’ in Italian late adolescents and emerging adults

“…In this respect, social support can be considered a powerful predictor of an individual's assessment of his/her global value (global self-worth or self-esteem), especially during adolescence (Harter 1985(Harter , 1990Waters and Whitesell 1998). Thus, support received from parents and friends is a resource that enhances developmental paths and protects the individual from negative influences (Demaray and Malecki 2002).…”

“…In fact, the research clearly positions parents and friends as the main sources of social support for adolescents and emerging adults, with a gradual increase in friends' importance throughout adolescence (Arnett 2007;Helsen, Vollebergh, and Meeus 2000). Social support (provider model;Harter 1985;Waters and Whitesell 1998) is thus an important variable to consider in the identity construction process. Drawing upon the work of Cooley (looking glass self, [1902]), social support is conceptualized as a specific form of validation from others (Harter 1990): it represents acceptance, approval, and esteem (regard) that the person perceives to receive from significant others through a gradual process of internalization.…”

Perceived Relational Support in Adolescence: Dimensions, Configurations, and Adolescent Adjustment

“…For example, intimacy with friends has been found to systematically increase while intimacy with parents remains stable (Furman & Buhrmester, 1992;Hunter & Youniss, 1982). It is therefore critical that the different network members be distinguished when investigating the development of perceived support in adolescence (Harter, Waters, & Whitesell, 1998). The present study compared the dimensions of perceived support mentioned above of four key providers of support for adolescents: mother, father, special sibling, and-if present-best friend.…”