Self Esteem & Conforming to Situational Norms

Self Esteem & Conforming to Situational Norms By: Alison David, Eileigh MacDougall. And Kelsey Johnston

Introduction Our study examines the relationship between Situational Norms and Self Esteem “Situational norms represent generally accepted beliefs about how to behave in particular situations and are learned by associating normative behavior to these situations” (Aarts & Dijksterhuis, 2003)

Introduction If one does not in accordance to situational norms = deviant behaviour WHY do people follow situational norms? Do varying levels of self esteem influence ones likeliness to conform to situational norms?

Introduction People with low self esteem are more likely to follow others to avoid social rejection. Hypothesis: individuals who are self proclaimed to have lower self-esteem are more likely to conform to situational and social norms

Method Participants Materials Procedure

Surveys Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale(1965): “On the whole, I am satisfied with my self”. Situational Norms Survey (2013): “You are at your favorite restaurant with a group of friends; although the service wasn’t great you see that your friends have left a tip. How likely are you to also tip?”

Method Assigned participants with a number to keep corresponding surveys together. After completion of both surveys: examined the results for any pattern or correlation between those who scored low on the self-esteem scale and their likeliness to conform to situational norms.

Results Compared participant’s scores from both surveys Confirmed our hypothesis: correlation between self esteem score and following situational norms

Discussion Conclude that self esteem impacts willingness to follow situational norms Predict likeliness to follow norms from the obtained scores

Limitations Relying on self-reports Not accurate Better resources and more time we could put participants in the scenarios we created Participant observation to observe participants

Conclusion Encounter situational norms in our everyday life People want to feel accepted and fit in Generally most people will follow these norms

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Self Esteem & Conforming to Situational Norms