SELF-ESTEEM AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN BELIEFS ABOUT SELF AND BELIEFS ABOUT OTHERS

This investigation tested the hypothesis drawn from constructivist sel f development theory that schematic representations of self-esteem med iate the relation between schemas about self-trust and self-intimacy a nd schemas about other-intimacy. This and related hypotheses were test ed using self-report data drawn from five independent subject groups i ncluding both clinical and non-clinical samples. Results were generall y consistent with the proposed model. The findings suggest that these trauma-sensitive beliefs appear to be predictably organized into an en during schematic system. The model's utility for psychotherapeutic int ervention and clinical research are discussed along with directions fo r future research.