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In Hard Times, Pride Can Keep You Afloat

Can help you function better and raise you in others' eyes

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 7, 2009 11:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Swallowing your pride might not be so healthy—especially in times like these, psychologists say. While the emotion historically hasn’t meant much to psychologists, new studies are showing that pride can help us function and improve how others perceive us, the New York Times reports. “It’s the strongest status signal we know of among the emotions,” said a researcher.

That means it may be helpful to maintain a working routine even if you have no work, experts say. “I have a new client, a laid-off lawyer, who’s commuting in every day—to his Starbucks,” where he meets colleagues and networks, notes one. “I have encouraged him to keep his routine.” Studies also found that prouder subjects were more dominant, likable, and motivated in tasks before them.

Keeping a working routine even when you're out of a job can provide a boost, experts say. (AP Photo)

The field of psychology long shrugged off the importance of pride. (Shutterstock)

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Brace Yourself for Even Worse 2nd Recession

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Police, locals 'heartbroken' to see them go

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It's not a raise, but perk goes long way in tough times, managers say

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It's not the lack of funds, it's the lack of knowing that brings us down

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Can help you function better and raise you in others' eyes

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layoffs • recession • psychology

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More Newser Stories

Brace Yourself for Even Worse 2nd Recession

Could devastate a still-ailing economy, writes Catherine Rampell

Horses Laid Off as Cop Budgets Trimmed

Police, locals 'heartbroken' to see them go

Looking for Work? Better Have a Job Already

Another hurdle for job-seekers as unemployment nears 10%

Firms Feed Workers to Boost Morale

It's not a raise, but perk goes long way in tough times, managers say

Uncertainty, Not Poverty, Behind Recession Blues

It's not the lack of funds, it's the lack of knowing that brings us down

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Newser By Users

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