Self-Esteem Research, Theory, and Practice Toward a Positive ...

178 SELF-ESTEEM RESEARCH, THEORY, AND PRACTICEindividual tends to report genuine remorse, guilt, or at least regret overmissed opportunity. Eventually, time moves on and the sixth stage of thisnegative self-esteem moment also becomes one of learning and settling.This final transition in the process is similar to its counterpart in that theevent also stands as a self-esteem landmark, which is why the title of thestage is the same in both experiences. However, an important differencedoes occur: The event and experience recede from awareness, but theycan remain alive as a signpost or reminder of how important it is to actdifferently—the next time. Therefore, although this increased consciousnessmay be helpful as a reminder in dealing with such challenges moreeffectively in the future, there is no corresponding modification of theself-esteem matrix. In fact, self-esteem may even be lost.The reader familiar with the research on authenticity and autonomymentioned in Chapter 3 will notice certain similarities between the findingsabout self-esteem moments garnered through qualitative analysis,such as described above, and more experimentally oriented work. Forexample, the Self-Determination Theory offers considerable experimentalsupport for the relationship between authenticity and self-esteem. In general,much work of this type focuses on the most basic aspects of authenticity,namely, awareness and action, which are also visible in mostself-esteem moments (Pyszczynski et al., 2004a). Kernis made the linkquite explicit when he said,Depending on how these challenges are resolved, individuals may proceedfurther down the path toward either optimal or fragile (or low)self-esteem. No matter whether these “moments” are challenges oraffirmations, they provide significant opportunities for growth andself-understanding. . . . To the extent that individuals consult their feelingsand motives when deciding how to respond, they are tapping intothe potential to develop more optimal self-esteem. Ultimately, theirresponses may follow social dictates, but if they are freely chosen andfully informed by their true self, they reflect authenticity. Authenticity,in turn, is a vital ingredient in promoting optimal self-esteem. (Kernis,2003b, p. 89)The connection between authenticity, self-esteem, and self-esteemmoments in adult life is easiest to see in terms of moral challenges becausethis area is one in which the crucial aspects of authenticity, awareness,and decision making are most visible and clearly tied to a source of selfesteem.However, authenticity is also a part of many other situations thatdo not involve moral dilemmas, such as success or failure in makingmeaningful vocational choices, and acceptance or rejection by socialgroups that are important for an individual and that are based on positivevalues.