APA Dictionary of Psychology

a theory holding that self-esteem is important to individuals mainly because it serves as a measure of social appeal (i.e., a sociometer). Specifically, high self-esteem signifies that the self has traits—such as competence, likability, moral virtue, and physical attractiveness—that enhance one’s relational value and promote acceptance by other people. [introduced in 1995 by U.S. social psychologist Mark R. Leary (1954–  ) and colleagues]