Resilient Identities: Self, Relationships, And The Construction Of Social Reality (Paperback)

~ William Jr." Swann (Author) "I am a 35-year-old housewife and mother of two..." (more)
Key Phrases: perceived lovability, marital bliss study, unfavorable evaluator, American Dream, United States, African Americans (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A fascinating, controversial exploration of how self-esteem conflicts develop and are played out in all of our relationships, written by an internationally recognized expert

In this wide-ranging and strikingly original book, William Swann not only dissects the mistaken assumptions that underlie current self-esteem programs, but also incisively analyzes the nature of self-worth and the "self-traps" that make achieving and sustaining a sense of self-esteem so difficult.

About the Author

William B. Swann Jr. received his PhD from the University of Minnesota and is currently professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the recipient of multiple Research Scientist Development Awards from the National Institutes of Mental Health and has authored numerous articles on self-esteem, depression, and relationships.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books; 1 edition (May 13, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813391180
• ISBN-13: 978-0813391182
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,327,772 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, July 9, 2009

By	nc guy (NC) - See all my reviews

I gained some insight into how people can select other people and interpretation of events to reinforce their own self views, even if those views are negative. It certainly explains some things I've noticed in relationships and even friendships. A useful book for gaining some more insight into relationships.

5.0 out of 5 stars Why is it so hard to change ourselves?, December 28, 2008

By	bunnyrabbit4 (New Orleans, LA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Because we are always seeking verification of who we are and if that inner perception is negative then we will likely marry and continuely seek out those whose view of us matches the internal ideal. The "good" people who praise us, just don't feel right. It is as if they are delusional and just don't know us!!! Our sense of self is made up of patterns of behavior that we repeat, usually without our even thinking about them. We may marry an alcoholic like dad and divorce him only to find another becuase the initial behavior of that person validates who we think we are. VERY interesting reading as is his SELF-TRAPS which is available used.