Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory

Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory suggests that people tend to protect or enhance their self-esteem by comparing themselves to others, especially in areas important to them. If someone performs better than us in a valued area, we might feel threatened and distance ourselves, or reduce our efforts. Conversely, if we excel, we gain pride. The theory explains social behaviors like envy or admiration, emphasizing that relationships and self-esteem influence how we evaluate ourselves against others. Overall, it shows that our motivation to maintain a positive self-view shapes how we react to others' successes and failures.