In the same way that a sculptor shapes a block of stone to reveal the ideal form within, one's relationship partner can help one to become more like one's ideal self (Drigotas, Rusbult, Wieselquist, & Whitton, 1999). This interpersonal process is called "the Michelangelo phenomenon." The current research examines whether the Michelangelo phenomenon will lead to increases in self-esteem in general, and increases in secure self-esteem in particular. Study 1 followed dating couples for six months and found that individuals whose romantic partner treats them as if they already possess the characteristics of their ideal self exhibit growth toward their ideal self and higher levels of self-esteem. Study 2 provided the first experimental test of the Michelangelo phenomenon and examined whether the phenomenon can occur between new acquaintances. Participants interacted with a confederate who behaved toward them as if they possessed a trait that was either central to or irrelevant to their ideal self. Results revealed that interacting with a new acquaintance who treats individuals in a manner consistent with their ideal (vs. irrelevant) self causes those individuals to grow toward their ideal self and to experience increased self-esteem. Studies 3 and 4 extended the experimental paradigm developed in Study 2 to examine the effects on secure vs. insecure self-esteem and on defensive vs. nondefensive behavior, but the results from these two studies were inconclusive.

Last modified

• 08/30/2018

Creator

• Abigail A Mitchell

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/N2514X

Subject

• Psychology

Keyword

• self-esteem
• Michelangelo phenomenon
• partner affirmation

Date created

• 2007-12-13

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright