The Kerr and the electrostrictive contributions to the intensity-dependent nonlinear refractive index in optical fibers are discussed on both theoretical and experimental bases. Particular attention is devoted to the electrostrictive contribution that under particular conditions is enhanced by resonances. The resonant behavior of the electrostrictive effect is calculated, measured, and discussed for standard single-mode fibers and dispersion shifted fibers. Experimental results are also reported. Measure ments have been carried out with a simple and effective technique based on the cross-phase modulation effect that also allows one to evaluate the nonlinear refractive index at any bit rate. Electrostriction contributes 20 % to the total nonlinear refractive index but in the resonant regime becomes comparable to the Kerr effect.