An Empirical Research On The Function And Features Of Dual Two-Factor Structure Of Self-Esteem

Self-esteem has received much concerns from the researchers in the field of psychology, sociology and anthropology. With a further discussion on the original and development of self-esteem and the effects on individual body and mind, the question are put forward that the structure, features and function of self-esteem has been in dispute.On the structure of self-esteem, there has been the argument between single factor opinion and two factors opinion, the argument between explicit and implicit self-esteem and traditional explicit self-esteem has also been involved. Referring to the features of self-esteem, the discussion between the dynamic and the static has long existed, so has the discussion between personality traits and situational traits .On the function of self-esteem, maintaining function and developing function has been the focus of argument, as well as heterogeneity of high self-esteem. This research form the two layers of explicit and implicit self-esteem to solve these conflicts, integrating two factors of self-esteem, construct dual two-factor structure of self-esteem.Three experiments were done to analyze the structure, features and function of self-esteem.The first experiment applied self-report method and the implicit association test(IAT) to measure the explicit self-esteem and implicit self-esteem, then Structural Equation Model was used to examine the structure of Self-Esteem. The result showed that two factors existed in structure of self-esteem, which including explicit self-esteem and implicit self-esteem, while self-competence and self- worthiness were both included in explicit and implicit self-esteem.Experiment 2 investigated the features of self-esteem dealing with competency context and communicative context. The self-certified method was found to be used in order to keep self-identity when the individual faced to positive feedback. On the contract, when facing with optimistic feedback, the individual preferred to use selective cognitive strategy, which only changed one aspect of self-esteem where other aspects are still the same, keeping the whole self-Esteem in balance .Experiment 3 explored the function of self-esteem when the individual faced with different contexts. It revealed that the performance of self-Esteem'function was different, as the different level of Self-Esteem. Both for the low and moderate level self-esteem, the explicit Self-Esteem was self-certified and maintaining function. The implicit self-esteem was self-enhanced function and the explicit self-esteem was developing function for the high level self-esteem.Above all, on the base of dual-systems model of manufacturing information system, dual two-factor structure of self-esteem revealed the structure of self-esteem well, taking account of both autonomy and sociality of individual. It also reflected the features of self-esteem, meanwhile the maintaining function and developing function were well explored. The implicit self-esteem defended the effects caused by the optimistic accident efficiently. The explicit self-esteem preformed more encouraging and developing function.