Reproductions Supplied by Edrs Are the Best That Can Be Made * * from the Original Document. toward a Self-evaluation Maintenance Model of Social Behavior*

1 This paper describes a SelfEvaluation Maintenance (SEM) model of social behavior. The model consists of three variables, the psychological closeness of anc,her, the relative performance of that other, and the relevance of the performance dimension to one's self definition. Thest. variables are hypothesized to interact to affect one another. Evidence for the model is reviewed. The systemic character of the model and the interactive nature of the predictions are commented on. Finally, the role of affect/emotion in the working of these piocesses is explored.