Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory
Definition
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory (SEMT) proposes that we are motivated to maintain stable self-esteem. We do this by comparing ourselves to others, but how we choose those comparisons is important. Specifically, we tend to compare ourselves to people who make us feel good about ourselves. We’re more likely to compare ourselves to others who are worse than us on dimensions important to our self-esteem when we want to feel good about ourselves. Conversely, when we’re trying to improve in an area, we’ll compare ourselves to people who are better than us, even though this might temporarily lower our self-esteem. The theory focuses on the idea that these comparisons aren’t necessarily about objective skill or achievement, but rather about managing how we feel about ourselves. It's about strategic social comparison.
Self-Evaluation can have an impact on the manner in which we perceive relationships, and how those relationships affect our choices. When we perceive ourselves compare ourselves unfavorably to someone who is close to us, there is a tendency to reduce cognitive dissonance by either distancing ourselves from that person, minimizing the importance of that particular area, or trying to improve our performance.
Example
Eleanor is a recreational painter. She enjoys it as a hobby, but doesn’t consider herself particularly talented. She’s entering a local art show and feeling a little nervous. To boost her confidence before the show, Sarah spends time looking at paintings created by beginners or people who are clearly less skilled than she is. This makes her feel good about her own abilities and increases her confidence. However, after the show, if she wants to improve her painting technique, she starts to study the work of professional artists – people much more skilled than her. This comparison might make her feel a little inadequate initially, but it also motivates her to practice and learn new techniques. She’s strategically choosing who to compare herself to based on whether she's looking to feel good or get better.
Why it Matters
Understanding Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory is important because it explains a lot about our social behavior. It helps us understand why we choose to spend time with certain people, why we follow certain accounts on social media, and why we gravitate toward information that confirms our existing beliefs. It demonstrates that social comparison isn’t just a passive process; it’s an active strategy we use to manage our self-esteem and motivate our behavior.