Alicia D. Cast

A Theory of Self-Esteem

Self-esteem has been conceptualized as an outcome, motive, and buffer, but there is no overall theory of self-esteem. In this article it is suggested that identity theory can provide a theoretical framework for the integration of the various conceptualizations of self-esteem. We suggest that self-esteem is an outcome of, and necessary ingredient in, the self-verification process that occurs within groups, maintaining both the individual and the group. Verification of role identities increases an individuals worth-based and efficacy-based self-esteem. The self-esteem built up by self-verification buffers the negative emotions that occur when self-verification is problematic, thus allowing continued interaction and continuity in structural arrangements during periods of disruption and change. Last, a desire for self-esteem, produced in part through self-verification, stabilizes the group because it motivates individuals to form and maintain relationships that verify identities.

Well-Being and the Transition to Parenthood: An Identity Theory Approach

Research has suggested that one factor that affects individual and marital well-being among new parents is role congruence. In this article the relationship between role congruence and well-being is theoretically recast using recent developments in identity theory. From an identity theory perspective, role incongruence is problematic because it reflects the degree to which individuals can verify their identities. When meanings in the social environment are inconsistent with identity meanings (such as occurs with role incongruence), identity verification processes are disrupted and individuals evaluate themselves and their relationships less positively. Therefore, new parents who are unable to verify their parent identity should be more likely to experience a decline in individual and marital well-being. Consistent with previous research, results suggest that parenthood per se may not be detrimental to individual and marital well-being. Results are consistent with the idea that the ability to verify conceptions of self-as-parent is important in understanding individual and marital well-being in the transition to parenthood.

Identities and Behavior

Since the early works of such influential scholars as (1890), (1934), and (1902), research within the tradition of symbolic interactionism has focused on the various ways the self produces meaningful behavior. While two distinct perspectives on the self and how it is related to behavior currently exist (Demo 1992; Gecas and Burke 1995), both share the general idea that in interaction, individuals seek to project an identity and consequently, that behavior reflects that identity.

Childhood Physical Punishment and Problem Solving in Marriage

Drawing from social learning theories and symbolic interactionist understandings of social life, the authors suggest that physical punishment teaches aggressive and controlling strategies for solving the problems of living together and hinders the development of important problem-solving skills, specifically the ability to role take with others. These strategies and skills become part of an individual’s toolkit for problem resolution within his or her marriage. The analysis is based on 188 married couples in Washington State who participated in a longitudinal study of the first 2 years of marriage. The analysis reveals the following: Individuals who were physically punished during childhood are more likely to engage in physical and verbal aggression with their spouses, individuals who were physically punished during childhood are more controlling with their spouses, and individuals who were physically punished during childhood are less able to take their spouse’s perspective.