My broad research interest involves study of the self, and most of my research revolves around the concept of self-esteem. I am particularly interested in exploring the antecedents of self-esteem. Specifically, I have compared how competence and acceptance affect self-esteem. Thus far, most of my research suggests that the contribution of acceptance to self-esteem is more powerful than the contribution of competence. I have also explored the possibility that self-complexity moderates the effects of rejection on state self-esteem. Recently, I have begun to conduct research on STTUC -- sensitivity about being the target of a threatening upward comparison.

Primary Interests:

Interpersonal Processes
Personality, Individual Differences
Self and Identity
Social Cognition

Interpersonal Processes
Personality, Individual Differences

Self and Identity
Social Cognition

Journal Articles:

Koch, E. J. (2002). Relational schemas, self-esteem, and the processing of social stimuli. Self and Identity, 1, 271-279.
Koch, E. J., & Metcalfe, K. P. (2011). The bittersweet taste of success: Daily and recalled experiences of being an upward social comparison target. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 33, 47-58.
Koch, E. J., & Shepperd, J. A. (2008). Testing competence and acceptance explanations of self-esteem. Self and Identity, 7, 54-74.
Koch, E. J., & Shepperd, J. A. (2004). Is self-complexity linked to better coping? A review of the literature. Journal of Personality, 72, 727-760.

Other Publications:

Koch, E. J. (2006). Examining the role of self-esteem in psychological functioning. In M. H. Kernis (Ed.), Self-esteem issues and answers: A source book of current perspectives (pp. 260-266). New York: Psychology Press.
Leary, M. R., Koch, E. J., & Hechenbleikner, N. R. (2001). Emotional responses to interpersonal rejection. In M. R. Leary (Ed.), Interpersonal rejection (pp. 145-167). New York: Oxford University Press.

Courses Taught:

Advanced Social and Personality Psychology
Introduction to Psychology
Personality Psychology
Psychology of the Self
Research Methods II: Research Design and Analysis
Social Psychology

Advanced Social and Personality Psychology
Introduction to Psychology
Personality Psychology

Psychology of the Self
Research Methods II: Research Design and Analysis
Social Psychology

Erika J. Koch
Department of Psychology
St. Francis Xavier University
P.O. Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
Canada

Phone: (902) 867-3950
Fax: (902) 867-5189