Being accepted for who we are: Evidence that social validation of the intrinsic self reduces general defensiveness

Three studies examined the possibility that being liked intrinsically by ot hers-for who one is-reduces self-esteem defense, whereas being liked for wh at one has achieved does not. All 3 studies contrasted the effects on self- esteem defense of liking based on intrinsic or achievement-related aspects of self. Study 1 showed that thoughts of being liked intrinsically reduced defensive bias toward downward social comparison. Study 2 demonstrated that bring liked for intrinsic aspects of self reduced participants' tendency t o defensively distance themselves from a negatively portrayed other. Study 3 revealed that being liked for intrinsic aspects of self encouraged a pref erence for upward over downward counterfactuals for a negative event. In al l 3 studies, similar reductions in defensiveness were not found when liking was based on achievements. Discussion focuses on implications for understa nding the functional value of different bases of self-worth.