Abstract:

As a classical concept in social psychology, self-esteem has increasingly attracted the attention of neuroscientists. Existing studies show that trait self-esteem and state self-esteem have both common and specific neural mechanisms. More importantly, trait self-esteem can modulate state self-esteem by exerting influence on an individual’s brain and neuroendocrine reactivity. Future research is needed to develop an integrated model for revealing the complicated relationship among types of self-esteem, the brain, and neuroendocrine function.

Key words: trait self-esteem, state self-esteem, neuroimaging, hippocampus, stress