Self-Esteem as a Shared Resource Beyond Romantic Relationships: An Extension Into Friendships and Parental Relationships

Abstract

Self-esteem is an important factor in understanding relationship quality, for both the individual and their romantic partner. Yet, most research has focused on solely romantic relationships, neglecting other close relationships that are at least equally important for understanding humans. In the present analysis, introductory psychology students at a Canadian university and their significant other (romantic partner, close friend, or primary caregiver) completed measures of self-esteem and relationship quality ( N = 308 dyads). Actor-Partner Interdependence Model analyses replicated and extended Robinson and Cameron’s (2012) findings that the higher dyad members’ combined self-esteem, the higher the dyad-level relationship quality. Thus, self-esteem may serve as a shared resource in romantic, friend, and family relationships.