However, the validity of implicit self-esteem as a construct is highly questionable, given not only its weak or nonexistent correlation with explicit self-esteem and informant ratings of self-esteem, but also the failure of multiple measures of implicit self-esteem to correlate with each other.As present, there is little scientific evidence that self-esteem can be reliably or validly measured through implicit means. Narcissism and threatened egotism
Narcissism is a disposition people may have that represents an excessive love for ones self. It is characterized by an inflated view of self-worth. Individuals who score high on narcissism measures, Robert Raskins Narcissistic Personality Inventory, would likely select true to such statements as "If I ruled the world, it would be a much better place." There is only a moderate correlation between narcissism and self-esteem; that is to say that an individual can have high self-esteem but low narcissism or can be a conceited, obnoxious person and score high self-esteem and high narcissism. However, when correlation analysis is restricted to the sense of superiority or self-admiration aspects of narcissism, correlations between narcissism and self-esteem become strong (usually at or around r = .50, but sometimes up to β = .86). Moreover, self-esteem is positively correlated with a sense of superiority even when controlling for overall narcissism.In addition to exaggerated regard for oneself, however, narcissism is additionally defined by such characteristics as entitlement, exploitativeness and dominance. Additionally, while positive self-image is a shared characteristic of narcissism and self-esteem, narcissistic self-appraisals are exaggerated and limited to agentic traits (intellect, talent, etc.
Moral judgment stages: Individuals describe their real, ideal, and dreaded selves with stereotypical labels, such as "nice" or "bad". Individuals describe their ideal and real selves in terms of disposition for actions or as behavioral habits. The dreaded self is often described as being unsuccessful or as having bad habits. Ego development stages: Individuals describe their ideal and real selves in terms of traits that are based on attitudes as well as actions. The dreaded self is often described as having failed to meet social expectations or as self-centered. Self-understanding stages: Individuals describe their ideal and real selves as having unified identities or characters. Descriptions of the dreaded self focus on a failure to live up to ones ideals or role expectations often because of real world problems.This development brings with it increasingly complicated and encompassing moral demands. This level is where individuals self-esteems can suffer because they do not feel as though they are living up to certain expectations. This feeling will moderately affect ones self-esteem with an even larger effect seen when individuals believe they are becoming their dreaded selves. Types
High
People with a healthy level of self-esteem:
Firmly believe in certain values and principles, and are ready to defend them even when finding opposition, feeling secure enough to modify them in light of experience. Are able to act according to what they think to be the best choice, trusting their own judgment, and not feeling guilty when others do not like their choice.