Pride

Pride shapes social behavior and is derived from feelings of self-consciousness.  Universally, humans have a desire to live up to cultural and individual expectations.  This tendency to care about what others think fuels the need to prove oneself. Humans feel the necessity to achieve “the perfect life” thus placing demands and stresses in one’s life.  However, when one is able to fulfill and even exceed these expectations pride is expressed through non-verbal signs.  Tracey and Robins, psychological researchers, have identified that pride is revealed in low-intensity smile and an expanded posture.  The purpose of pride lies in the evolutionary need to be successful in social situations.  Humans that are filled with pride send off a message that makes claims about their social status and achievements.  Also, it identifies that person as self-confident.  
           

Pride is derived from two diverse contexts, authentic and hubristic.  Authentic pride is associated with effort and good work ethic.  People expressing genuine self-esteem, agreeableness, and conscientiousness usually show authentic pride.  On the other hand, hubristic is the dark side of pride.  It is associated with negative traits such as hostility, aggression, and interpersonal problems.  Hubristic pride is self-serving and often deceitful.  Interestingly, the two forms of pride are not distinguished by the kind of pride experiences, but instead by an individual’s personality.

Pride is an important part of one’s life.  It is essential for people to accomplish their goals and gain a sense of self-worth from the achievement.  Without pride, the world would lack motivation.  Though much research has been done to look at how pride is expressed and where it stems from, there is not much information on how long pride last after a success.  Can one event satisfy one’s pride for a lifetime or does it need to be replenished?