<p>There seems to be indeed some correlation between maximization and self-esteem (as can be seen even in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximization_%28psychology%29" rel="nofollow">wikipedia page</a>). However it doesn't necessarily predicts low self-esteem.</p>

<p>Quoted from wikipedia:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Initial research on maximizing showed uniformly negative outcomes
  associated with chronic maximizing tendencies. Such tendencies were
  associated with lower happiness, self-esteem, and life
  satisfaction;<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200804/what-flavor-perfectionist-are-you-it-matters" rel="nofollow">2</a> with greater depression and regret;<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200804/what-flavor-perfectionist-are-you-it-matters" rel="nofollow">2</a> with lower
  satisfaction with choices;[8][9] with greater perfectionism;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfectionism_%28psychology%29" rel="nofollow">3</a>[10]
  and with greater decision-making confusion, commitment anxiety, and
  rumination ... However, as disagreement over the definition of maximizing 
  grew, research began to show diverging effects: some negative, some
  neutral, and some positive</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Interestingly, those results closely resembles studies regarding correlation between <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfectionism_%28psychology%29" rel="nofollow">"perfectionism"</a> and "self-esteem" (perfectionism being a similar concept to maximization which you described).</p>

<p>There have been many studies, but in general, perfectionism can be detrimental only when it's maladaptive/ neurotic. On the other hand, positive/adaptive perfectionism tend to correlate with positive emotions, which can factors in a more positive self-esteem.</p>

<p>Some studies further classified that perfectionism coming from one-self is associated with adaptive aspect of perfectionism, and thus more related to positive emotions. While perfectionism that comes form social environment (imposed/prescribed by others), is more associated to the maladaptive aspect. As discussed in this <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200804/what-flavor-perfectionist-are-you-it-matters" rel="nofollow">article</a>.</p>

<p>It somewhat make senses considering the definition of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-esteem" rel="nofollow">"self-esteem"</a>. In general, self-esteem is defined as how we evaluate our own worth, which starts early in infancy. It affected by many factors which may changes across lifetime (for example in <a href="http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/dca-dea/publications/ffc-ief/book-livre-5-eng.php" rel="nofollow">childhood</a> and <a href="http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/teenagers-and-self-esteem-key-factors/" rel="nofollow">teens</a>), but in general it's largely affected by social factors.</p>

<p>So in summary, it's possible that being a maximizer (or being perfectionist in general) correlated to low-self esteem. But it depends on how exactly the maximizing is.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-29T12:58:43.530Z
2016-02-29T12:58:43.530Z
Nono
<p>See the answer to this question: <a href="https://cogsci.stackexchange.com/a/7691/4425">Is there a term that describes the personality trait of always desiring more?</a></p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Schwartz and colleagues (2002) have proposed that people fall into two
  groups: those who seek to maximize their decision by finding the very
  best option out of choices presented (maximizers), and those who have
  an idea in mind of what would be an "acceptable" option and settle for
  the first choice that surpasses their expectations (satisficers).
  Maximizers are always on the look out for "the best," are less
  satisfied with their choices, more likely to "socially compare" their
  options to others, and more likely to experience regret (Ma &amp; Roese,
  2014). Another recent publication proposed that when individuals
  experience "choice closure," and stop re-evaluating the non-selected
  alternative options, satisfaction with choice can increase (Gu, Botti,
  &amp; Farro, 2013).</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Is it possible to state that looking for challenges and being a maximizer can be correlated to a low selfesteem?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-29T14:53:09.473Z
Care to elaborate on why you formulate that hypothesis?
Steven Jeuris
<cognitive-psychology><social-psychology><personality>
Is low self esteem pushing person toward maximizing (instead of being easily satisfied)
Revious
# Is low self esteem pushing person toward maximizing (instead of being easily satisfied)

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-02-12)

See the answer to this question: [Is there a term that describes the personality trait of always desiring more?](https://cogsci.stackexchange.com/a/7691/4425)

> Schwartz and colleagues (2002) have proposed that people fall into two
> groups: those who seek to maximize their decision by finding the very
> best option out of choices presented (maximizers), and those who have
> an idea in mind of what would be an "acceptable" option and settle for
> the first choice that surpasses their expectations (satisficers).
> Maximizers are always on the look out for "the best," are less
> satisfied with their choices, more likely to "socially compare" their
> options to others, and more likely to experience regret (Ma & Roese,
> 2014). Another recent publication proposed that when individuals
> experience "choice closure," and stop re-evaluating the non-selected
> alternative options, satisfaction with choice can increase (Gu, Botti,
> & Farro, 2013).

Is it possible to state that looking for challenges and being a maximizer can be correlated to a low selfesteem?

**Tags:** cognitive-psychology, social-psychology, personality

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Care to elaborate on why you formulate that hypothesis?  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-02-29. Score: 1

There seems to be indeed some correlation between maximization and self-esteem (as can be seen even in the [wikipedia page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximization_%28psychology%29)). However it doesn't necessarily predicts low self-esteem.

Quoted from wikipedia:

> Initial research on maximizing showed uniformly negative outcomes
> associated with chronic maximizing tendencies. Such tendencies were
> associated with lower happiness, self-esteem, and life
> satisfaction;[2](https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200804/what-flavor-perfectionist-are-you-it-matters) with greater depression and regret;[2](https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200804/what-flavor-perfectionist-are-you-it-matters) with lower
> satisfaction with choices;[8][9] with greater perfectionism;[3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfectionism_%28psychology%29)[10]
> and with greater decision-making confusion, commitment anxiety, and
> rumination ... However, as disagreement over the definition of maximizing
> grew, research began to show diverging effects: some negative, some
> neutral, and some positive

Interestingly, those results closely resembles studies regarding correlation between ["perfectionism"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfectionism_%28psychology%29) and "self-esteem" (perfectionism being a similar concept to maximization which you described).

There have been many studies, but in general, perfectionism can be detrimental only when it's maladaptive/ neurotic. On the other hand, positive/adaptive perfectionism tend to correlate with positive emotions, which can factors in a more positive self-esteem.

Some studies further classified that perfectionism coming from one-self is associated with adaptive aspect of perfectionism, and thus more related to positive emotions. While perfectionism that comes form social environment (imposed/prescribed by others), is more associated to the maladaptive aspect. As discussed in this [article](https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-delay/200804/what-flavor-perfectionist-are-you-it-matters).

It somewhat make senses considering the definition of ["self-esteem"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-esteem). In general, self-esteem is defined as how we evaluate our own worth, which starts early in infancy. It affected by many factors which may changes across lifetime (for example in [childhood](http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/dca-dea/publications/ffc-ief/book-livre-5-eng.php) and [teens](http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/teenagers-and-self-esteem-key-factors/)), but in general it's largely affected by social factors.

So in summary, it's possible that being a maximizer (or being perfectionist in general) correlated to low-self esteem. But it depends on how exactly the maximizing is.


---

