On the evolutionary functions of the symbolic self: The emergence of self-evaluation motives.

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Self‐esteem: a behavioural genetic perspective (2002, background): “The capacity to ponder and represent symbolically one’s attributes, past, relational bonds, roles, feelings, values, and goals is a uniquely human trait ( Sedikides & Skowronski, 1997, 2000, in press ).”
Self-Enhancement: Food for Thought (2008, background): “These include self-enhancement as an energizing principle (Sedikides & Skowronski, 2000), as an index of social value (Leary & Baumeister, 2000), or as a defense against mortality (Pyszczynski, Greenberg, Arndt, & Schimel, 2004).”
Why We Don't Need Self-Esteem: On Fundamental Needs, Contingent Love, and Mindfulness (2003, methodology): “Based on SDT, we argue that, although self-evaluation is a “natural” human tendency with both evolutionary (Sedikedes & Skowronski, 2000) and developmental (Ryan & Kuzckowski, 1994) foundations, ongoing concern with the worth of the self is a byproduct of need deprivation or conflict.”