Accepting our weaknesses and enjoying better relationships: An initial examination of self-security

Abstract

The present research introduces self-security, a new indicator of healthy self-evaluation. Self-security is defined as the open and nonjudgmental acceptance of one's own weaknesses. To assess self-security, we developed the Security of “I” Assessment (SofIA), a self-report questionnaire. Study 1′s (N=195) exploratory factor analysis suggested a single-factor model that Study 2′s (N=158) confirmatory factor analysis supported as providing good fit to the data. In Study 3 (N=195), the SofIA demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability. Using the SofIA, Study 1 also explored self-security's correlates in a sample of 195 undergraduates, with 279 of their close others (family, long-term friends, and romantic partners) reporting on the quality of their relationships with the participants. Self-security was significantly associated, but not redundant with, other aspects of self-evaluation (e.g., self-esteem, self-compassion). Self-security was also associated with self-evaluative interpersonal traits and attachment style. Importantly, even after simultaneously accounting for other aspects of self-evaluation, self-security predicted relationship quality, as independently reported by the participants and their close others. Specifically, participants' greater self-security significantly predicted their experiencing less conflict and emotional distress and their close others' reporting more support received from the participants.