The maintenance of self-esteem: Lessons from the culture of Alzheimer's sufferers

Author(s): Fath, H., Moghaddam, F. M., Harre, R.

Journal/Book: Cult Psychol. 1999; 5: 6 Bonhill Street, London, England EC2a 4Pu. Sage Publications Ltd. 5-31.

Abstract: There is now an extensive body of research both on independent selves as conceived in western societies, and more recently on interdependent selves common to many non-western cultures. Instead of looking at the growth of self-esteem from a developmental angle, we focus on the issue of the maintenance of self-esteem as seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD) sufferers. We use a case study approach to examine relations between AD sufferers and the non-afflicted, focusing on the strategies used by the former to maintain their sense of self-worth. Our analysis questions the suitability and logic of standard ways of conceptualizing and measuring self-esteem and points to the importance of discursive, normative aspects of revealing the details of self-worth.

Note: Article Sabat SR, Georgetown Univ, Dept Psychol, Washington,DC 20057 USA

Keyword(s): cognition; dementia; personhood; social construction theory

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