The effects of success and failure on self-esteem

Abstract

Abstract This experiment examined the effect of experiences of success and failure on self-esteem, measured by evaluative scales on the semantic differential. Self-esteem was differentiated into two aspects, Myself Now (state self-esteem) and Myself Usually (trait self-esteem). The experiment had two parts. In Part 1, half the subjects were randomly assigned to a success experience and half to a failure experience. The prediction that those experiencing failure would score lower on state self-esteem than those experiencing success was supported when tested on a sample of 98 college students. As expected, the groups did not differ on trait self-esteem. Part 2 of the experiment was an examination of a further experience of success and failure on state and trait self-esteem. Half of the subjects from each of the first success and failure treatments were randomly assigned to a success experience; the other half received a failure experience. Thus investigation could be made of possible cumulative or modifying...