Go Back Research Article June, 1997

Esteem Threat, Self-Regulatory Breakdown, and Emotional Distress as Factors in Self-Defeating Behavior

Author Roy F. Baumeister

Abstract

Patterns of human self-defeating or self-destructive behavior are examined in relation to several hypothesized causes. Threatened egotism appears to be a major, pervasive cause: Self-defeating responses are especially common when people feel that others may perceive them less favorably than the people desire. Self-regulation failure is also a common element in most self-defeating behavior. Emotional distress is often a precipitating factor. Several causal processes, including foolish risk taking and escapist responses, link emotional distress to self-defeat.

Keywords

Self-Defeating Behavior Esteem Threat Self-Regulation Failure Emotional Distress Threatened Egotism Self-Destruction Psychological Risk Escapist Responses Social Perception Self-Control Breakdown Risk-Taking Behavior Cognitive Regulation Negative Self-Image Behavioral Consequences Emotional Vulnerability
Details
Volume 1
Issue 2
Pages 145-174
DOI 10.1037/1089-2680.1.2.145
ISSN 1939-1552
Impact Metrics