Self-Esteem (and Narcissism) as Reflected in Conflict Resolution Behaviors

Abstract

Abstract This chapter traces the development of Wiggins’s conceptual perspective, from a narrowly focused interpersonal circumplex model of traits that updated Leary’s earlier model, to a broader interpersonal circumplex theory of traits and social behavior, to a still-broader interpersonal circumplex theory of personality (including, but not limited to, traits) and social behavior. Regarding social behavior, Wiggins emphasized two types of socioemotional behaviors (i.e., affection and respect) within close relationships, as highlighted by Foa and Foa’s resource exchange theory. Concerning personality, Wiggins highlighted two ways of being-in-the-world (i.e., agency and communion) in which individuals differ. Following Wiggins, the chapter identifies interpersonal traits (i.e., dominance and nurturance) as potential influences on social behavior. The chapter ends with a preview of Chapter 3, which addresses construct validity as a conceptual and empirical issue in research on interpersonal aspects of personality.