Sarah is excellent at the backstroke, and she is preparing for an important swimming competition. She has just been asked to help somebody improve on the backstroke. Based on the tenets of self-esteem maintenance theory, she will be most likely to help

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According to self-esteem maintenance theory, people are more likely to help others who are similar to them in order to maintain their own self-esteem. In this situation, Sally and Amanda would be considered too similar to Sarah, potentially triggering feelings of competition or self-comparison. Annie, who beat Sarah in the past, might also not be a good choice as helping her improve could risk Sarah's chances of winning the competition. Therefore, Katherine, a new team member, is the most likely choice for Sarah to help as she is less likely to trigger self-comparison and helping her would contribute to Sarah's sense of competence and mastery.

Sarah Is Excellent at the Backstroke, and She Is Preparing