The Dramaturgical Perspective among Individuals with Low Self-Esteem: Maintaining the Status Quo through Cynicism

Abstract

This research focuses on the dramaturgical perspective (DP; Sullivan et al., 2014) in relation to self-threats. Defined as a critical, cynical, and reflexive worldview that involves adopting a social constructionist lens in relation to everyday social reality, the DP was hypothesized to be a feasible psychological self-defense strategy for those that lack the resources (self-esteem) to cope with the threats via more traditional methods. Specifically, over the course of four studies, two hypotheses are tested: (1) The DP is a more feasible and effective defensive strategy for individuals with low self-esteem, making it uniquely appealing for those individuals under conditions of self-threat; and (2) that exposure to the DP can promote continued endorsement of the standards associated with a self-threatening social role among individuals with low self-esteem. Studies 1 and 4 employ novel methodologies for assessing the antecedents of DP endorsement, while Studies 2-3 test the latter hypothesis by examining participants endorsement of role related standards under self-threatening conditions. While many of the results are mixed and ultimately unable to conclusively support or reject the hypotheses, analyses yield several insights into new questions related to the DP, as well as directions for future research. Results suggest that it is those who weakly identify with the threatened social role, rather than those with low self-esteem, whose endorsement of role-based standards of self-evaluation is buffered by the DP. In addition, consistently with prior work, results suggest that dispositional endorsement of the DP is associated with pervasive distress. These findings are discussed in connection to several areas in extant literature, pointing to new questions and next steps for future research.