Abstract

This study, based on Carl Rogers' conceptualization about conditioned self-worth, examined the moderating effect of need for approval in the relationship between self-esteem and psychological adjustment indices(depression, anxiety, & life satisfaction). A total of 147 (97 women) Korean college students were recruited and completed the research packet. Three hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to test the hypothesized moderating effects. The study results provided support for anxiety. Participants low on self-esteem experienced more dependent variables (depression & life satisfaction), but not for anxiety. Participants low on self-esteem experienced more depression and less life satisfaction when they exhibited a high level of need for approval. The non-significant moderating effect for anxiety may reflect a potential, conceptual difference between depression and anxiety.