When lacking self-esteem, mental processes such as compartmentalisation (compartmentalised reasoning) can result. This type of reasoning is an aspect to human cognitive processes, and while not exclusive to those on the spectrum, people with autism can be susceptible to this type of thinking since they have a propensity toward low self-esteem. Compartmentalised reasoning can lead to an appearance of resembling two distinct personalities; one considerate and the other inconsiderate, and fluctuating between the two. Commonly this is referred to as “Jekyll and Hyde”. In regard to beliefs about the “self”, this type of compartmentalisation is defined as segregating positive and negative knowledge about one self into classes that remain distinct from each other (Showers & Zeigler-Hill, 2007). When an individual focuses on his/her positive attributes, it tends to build high self-esteem and positive mood. If, on the other hand, an individual focuses on his/her negative attributes, low self-esteem and negative mood often result. Consequently, when this reasoning is present it can cause problems and issues within relationships.
However, in contrast to compartmentalised mental processes, possessing an integrative self-structure (i.e., unified reasoning) enables an individual to hold both positive and negative self-beliefs concurrently. An integrative self-structure allows an individual to maintain a balanced mood and overall feelings about self. As a consequence, the individual remains more stable, has greater realism and moderated self-views, and possibly has increased resilience. Additionally, individuals high in self-esteem feel accepted by others, which is an antidote to fearful feelings in regard to how others view them.
Compartmentalisation can also emerge toward others. This type of reasoning is defined as the practice in which individuals low in self-esteem tend to functionally segregate positive and negative knowledge about others in memory, viewing a person unrealistically in two distinct positive and negative categories and alternating between the two (Graham & Clark, 2006). When functionally integrating knowledge about others in memory, the opposite is true. Others are viewed realistically as having both strengths and weaknesses that sometimes provides support and at other times need to be supported (Mund, Finn, Hagemeyer, Zimmermann, & Neyer, 2015; Showers & Zeigler-Hill, 2007). When this integration is lacking, however, others are viewed unrealistically as totally defective at times and totally flawless at other times. This dualistic thinking naturally influences behaviour to fluctuate as well. It is suggested that persons low in self-esteem adopt self-protective behaviour as a defence against rejection. This behaviour results in a demonstration of affection when considering another as “perfect” but becoming distant and aloof when another is considered “imperfect.” An individual fluctuating between these two distinct behaviour patterns can appear to others as somebody who has two distinct personalities, one good and the other mean; the “Jekyll and Hyde” behaviour. This type of compensatory behaviour sets up destructive patterns within a relationship, especially if autism is present and is neither accepted by the partner with autism nor recognised and understood in the relationship.
A consistent finding of research into self -competency (competent aspects of the self) is that although those with low self-esteem want affirmation from partners and family members and need a relationship as a source of acceptance. Their self-doubts, however, translates into relationship insecurities, which prevent the very benefits to self-esteem that a healthy relationship can offer (Leary, Schreindorfer, & Haupt, 1995; Marigold, Holmes, & Ross, 2007; McCauley et al., 2017), and consequently, undermines relationship well-being. Partners/family members of those low in self-esteem find it difficult to deal with a person whose view of them fluctuates between positive and negative. Whether compartmentalised mental processes are in regard to oneself, or in regard to others, they are unstable over time. Connected to an individual’s mood and self-esteem, compartmentalised reasoning will naturally oscillate as life experiences change, creating unpredictable behaviour. Predictability is a distinct and important component of interpersonal trust. Unpredictability may create instability within a relationship. Instability in how one is viewed and treated by a partner/family member is likely to contribute to decreased relationship satisfaction. If a partner/family member with autism does not provide stability, but instead fluctuates between diametrically opposed mental processes, their partner/family member can be denied the constancy, dependability, reliability and support expected to be obtained from a close relationship. On the other hand, a relationship may have a greater likelihood of success if a partner/family member on the spectrum possesses a more integrative self-structure and is able to accept him/herself in light of recognition of a diagnosis.
Alternatively, if there is an absence of intrinsic motivation to take responsibility for actions to overcome and/or modify difficulties, an individual can develop additional unhealthy relating patterns, such as behaving in defensive or self-protective ways. Rather than integrating psychological structures, these individuals may have a tendency to withdraw concern for others and focus on oneself or, engage in psychological withdrawal or antisocial activity (Showers & Zeigler-Hill, 2007). All these processes may ultimately be damaging to healthy relating and relationship survival. Even if the social context of a close relationship is very encouraging and accepting, it may not be able to fully compensate for, or overcome the internal difficulties that can be brought into a relationship with these accompanying unhealthy interpersonal interactions.
Dr. Bronwyn Wilson
References
Graham, S. M., & Clark, M. S. (2006). Self-esteem and organization of valenced information about others: The“Jekyll and Hyde”-ing of relationship Partners. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90(4), 652-665.
Leary, M. R., Schreindorfer, L. S., & Haupt, A. L. (1995). The role of low self-esteem in emotional and behavioural problems: Why is low self-esteem dysfunctional? Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 14(3), 297-314.
Marigold, D. C., Holmes, J. G., & Ross, M. (2007). More than words: reframing compliments from romantic partners fosters security in low self-esteem individuals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(2), 232-248. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.92.2.232
McCauley, J. B., Harris, M. A., Zajic, M. C., Swain-Lerro, L. E., Oswald, T., McIntyre, N., . . . Solomon, M. (2017). Self-esteem, internalizing symptoms, and theory of mind in youth with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 1-12. doi:10.1080/15374416.2017.1381912
Mund, M., Finn, C., Hagemeyer, B., Zimmermann, J., & Neyer, F. J. (2015). The dynamics of self-esteem in partner relationships. European Journal of Personality, 29(2), 235-249.
Showers, C. J., & Zeigler-Hill, V. (2007). Compartmentalization and integration: The evaluative organization of contextualized selves. Journal of Personality, 75(6), 1181-1204. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.2007.00472.x