Finding “Just-Right” Self-Esteem: Syncretic Self-Esteem Promotes Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Well-Being

This research focuses on healthy form of contingent self-esteem and its relevance in understanding human well-being in terms of both personal and relational existence. The form of self-esteem that relies on the integration between uniqueness and similarity was conceptualized as syncretic self-esteem (SSE). We propose that the moderate SSE, which removes the effects of self-esteem depending greatly on either uniqueness or similarity, facilitates both inner and relational harmony. Study 1 provides evidence of the validity and reliability of the three-factor Syncretic Self-Esteem Scale (SSES) (n = 2725). Study 2 reveals that moderate SSE relates to harmony within an individual (n = 632); using a longitudinal design, Study 3 finds that moderate SSE predicts a harmonious state between individuals and their surroundings through decreased self-ambivalence (n = 124). With finding out a form of moderate self-esteem, the present research contributes to promoting people’s global well-being in the perspective of self-esteem.

The operational concepts in the Vitruvian system of design

The study aims to contribute to understand the Vitruvian design system through the analysis of the temples described in the text leading to the three key concepts related: proportio, commensus and commodulatio. At first, it is proposed a conceptual discussion about the origin of the compositional elements, and further it is discussed the concept of proportio as an operation of sizing and scaling these elements individually. Analyzed the definition and types of elements, it is proposed to continue the discussion on the relationship that must be built as a way of associating elements in a consistent way, leading to the notion of symmetria, understood as an ideal state in which the elements maintain dimensional and/or geometrical relationships between them, creating a relational harmony. From the operational point of view, it is sought to demonstrate that the Vitruvian symmetria is fetched from two types of relations: a modular (commodulatio) and a dimensional (commensus).

Relational Harmony: A New Model of Collectivism and Gender Equality Among Chinese American Couples

Social harmony is a valued relational rule in collectivism. Using data from in-depth interviews with 20 Chinese American couples, the authors study how husbands and wives interpret and negotiate marital harmony within a multicultural context and how gender relates to this process. Although all participants appear to seek harmony, the result indicates two quite different forms. Structural harmony is based on traditional social norms that emphasize obligation to the whole. Relational harmony is “we-centered” and prioritizes the marriage relationship itself. Not all couples fall neatly in either category; couples in transition experience a push-and-pull process between the multiple influences in their lives. These tensions are explored through six dimensions: (a) conflict between relational and structural goals, (b) communal versus dyadic obligation, (c) unclear authority structure, (d) intersection of family and workplace, (e) harmonizing multiple voices, and (f) incorporating personal agency. Implications for research and practice are addressed.