In a study, participants who received positive personality feedback before watching a disturbingly graphic video did not show a negative emotional reaction to the video. What theory of self-esteem motivation does this finding support?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This finding supports the anxiety-buffer theory of self-esteem motivation, which suggests that people have a need to buffer themselves from anxiety and negative emotions. In this case, receiving positive personality feedback boosted participants' self-esteem, and therefore buffered them from negative emotional reactions to the disturbing video.

In a Study, Participants Who Received Positive Personality Feedback Before