The Effects of Self-Esteem on Attribution Making in Close versus Casual Relationships

This study explored the effect of self-esteem on attributions made in close and acquaintance relationships. It was predicted that people are more likely to attribute negative events to others and are also more likely to attribute positive events to themselves. This trend was expected more in casual relationships than in close relationships and also more for people with high self-esteem than people with low self-esteem. Students answered questions about hypothetical scenarios involving either a best friend or casual acquaintance. The measurements used in the survey were the Relationship Attribution Measure and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The second and third hypotheses received limited support. The importance of looking at friendships is exemplified by the importance of relationships to human nature