Abstract
To rectify confusion and vagueness concerning the definitional usage of self-esteem, rapprochement of Rotter's (1954) social learning theory with self-esteem and related constructs is offered. These “self” constructs (namely, self-esteem, self-worth, self-confidence, self-satisfaction, and self-evaluation) are defined and combined into a conceptual framework indicating the impact of their interrelations within a self-esteem system. Incorporation of selected constructs from the social learning approach (i.e., expectancy, goal reinforcement value, minimal goal value) affords specification of the change process within the system. An attribution model is utilized to clarify the impact of causal internalization on self-esteem and related constructs. Applications of the present system are provided with recommendations for empirical evaluation.

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