What is self-esteem?
Self-esteem is the way a person values themselves. It encompasses how they feel about themselves, the opinions and beliefs that shape their self-concept, and the value they assign to their own identity. Self-esteem reflects a person’s confidence and is transferred to a certain attitude and way of behaving.
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How is self-esteem formed?
Self-esteem is developed throughout life through human interaction. When people understand that they are important to others, their self-esteem flourishes. It is a notion acquired in the process of obtaining small achievements and recognition from others. For example, a girl receiving words of congratulations when she makes a drawing experiences a boost in her self-esteem.
The development of self-esteem depends on both internal and external factors. Internal factors are ideas, beliefs, and everyday practices, while external factors are messages from the environment and experiences.
Self-esteem is a concept in psychology, introduced by psychologist Abraham Maslow in his psychological theory on human needs. Maslow posited that self-esteem is a basic human need that motivates individuals to know and improve themselves.
How does self-esteem affect a person’s attitude and behavior?
Self-esteem significantly influences a person’s attitude and behavior. Individuals with high self-esteem tend to be more confident, assertive, and optimistic. They are more likely to take risks, set goals, and persevere through challenges. Conversely, those with low self-esteem may exhibit shyness, self-doubt, and a fear of failure. They may avoid challenges, struggle with decision-making, and be more susceptible to negative influences.
What are the different types of self-esteem?
Self-esteem manifests in different ways, broadly categorized as low and high.
What are the characteristics of a person with low self-esteem?
People with low self-esteem often:
- Feel uncomfortable in specific situations due to perceived inadequacy.
- Lack self-confidence and struggle to value their unique characteristics.
- Engage in negative self-talk and have a pessimistic outlook.
- Seek constant approval from others and fear making mistakes.
- Compare themselves unfavorably to others, leading to feelings of inferiority.
- Isolate themselves and avoid social situations due to fear of judgment.
- Experience feelings of emptiness, worthlessness, and helplessness.
- Struggle with emotional and mental health issues.
20 Examples of Low and High Self-Esteem
Low Self-Esteem
- A man cannot enjoy life because everything is negative.
- A student does not participate in class for fear of saying something wrong.
- A person feels insecure about their body.
- A teenager is afraid of displeasing others.
- A teenager seeks to please everyone.
- A self-demanding person feels that he must do everything perfectly.
- A teenager needs his parents’ approval to give his opinion.
- A woman is very sensitive to criticism.
- A person has frequent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness.
- An adult does not apply for a job he or she is interested in.
- An adult is afraid of being rejected.
- A child feels incapable when solving math problems despite excelling in social interactions.
- A person avoids making decisions for fear of making the wrong choice.
- A person constantly seeks reassurance from others about their abilities.
- A person struggles to accept compliments and downplays their achievements.
- A person feels unworthy of love and happiness.
- A person has difficulty setting boundaries and saying “no” to others.
- A person focuses on their perceived flaws and ignores their strengths.
- A person experiences anxiety and fear in social situations.
- A person has difficulty expressing their needs and opinions.
High Self-Esteem
- A teacher encourages student participation in class and takes their contributions into account.
- A woman runs her own business.
- A caring person is interested in the welfare of others.
- A teenager manages to adapt to a new school.
- An employee admits to his boss that he made a mistake and wants to try again.
- A teenager learns to play an instrument and is confident that she can do it.
- A young man decides to call the girl he likes from his class.
- A person rejoices in the achievements of others.
- A boy dreams of being a firefighter in the future.
- An adult prioritizes self-care and seeks moments of enjoyment.
- A person confidently expresses their opinions and beliefs.
- A person takes responsibility for their actions and learns from their mistakes.
- A person sets realistic goals and works towards achieving them.
- A person celebrates their successes and acknowledges their strengths.
- A person is comfortable being alone and enjoys their own company.
- A person has healthy boundaries and respects the needs of others.
- A person is resilient and bounces back from setbacks.
- A person is open to new experiences and challenges.
- A person is compassionate and empathetic towards themselves and others.
- A person has a positive outlook on life and believes in their ability to create a fulfilling future.
What can cause low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem can stem from various experiences that prevented the development of self-confidence. Some common causes include:
- Childhood experiences: Neglect, abuse, criticism, or unrealistic expectations from parents or caregivers can negatively impact a child’s self-worth.
- Social comparison: Constantly comparing oneself to others, especially through social media, can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
- Negative self-talk: Engaging in harsh self-criticism and focusing on perceived flaws can erode self-esteem.
- Trauma or adversity: Experiencing traumatic events, such as bullying, abuse, or loss, can significantly impact self-esteem.
- Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards for oneself and fearing failure can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
- Lack of support: Not having a strong support system of family and friends can make it harder to cope with challenges and build self-confidence.
What are the characteristics of a person with high self-esteem?
People with high self-esteem generally:
- Possess a strong sense of self-worth and believe in their abilities.
- Are confident and assertive, expressing their opinions and needs effectively.
- Are resilient and bounce back from setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for growth.
- Set realistic goals and work towards achieving them with determination.
- Accept their strengths and weaknesses, focusing on their positive qualities.
- Are comfortable being alone and enjoy their own company.
- Have healthy boundaries and respect the needs of others.
- Are compassionate and empathetic towards themselves and others.
- Are open to new experiences and challenges.
- Have a positive outlook on life and believe in their ability to create a fulfilling future.
What are some common examples of high self-esteem?
- A student confidently presents their project in class, despite feeling nervous.
- An individual takes a risk and applies for a promotion, believing in their qualifications.
- A person sets healthy boundaries with a friend who is constantly demanding their time.
- An individual accepts a compliment graciously, acknowledging their strengths.
- A person forgives themselves for a mistake and learns from the experience.
How does self-esteem develop during adolescence?
Adolescence is a crucial period for self-esteem development. It is a time of significant physical, emotional, and social changes, leading to self-evaluations and comparisons. Teenagers often compare their skills, physical appearance, and abilities with other young people or with idealized figures.
What factors influence self-esteem during adolescence?
Several factors influence self-esteem during adolescence:
- Peer relationships: Acceptance and approval from peers are essential for adolescents’ self-worth.
- Academic performance: Success in school can boost self-esteem, while struggles can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
- Physical appearance: Body image concerns are common during adolescence, and societal pressures can negatively impact self-esteem.
- Family relationships: Supportive and encouraging family relationships contribute to healthy self-esteem.
- Social media: Constant exposure to idealized images and comparisons on social media can negatively impact self-esteem.
What role does the concept of the “ideal self” play in self-esteem development?
The concept of the “ideal self” represents what one would like to be. The mismatch between one’s perception of oneself and this ideal can make self-acceptance more difficult.
Self-knowledge allows for the acceptance of one’s own characteristics and possibilities, facilitating their integration with ideals. Through self-knowledge, a person develops a healthy self-esteem.
How can we improve our self-esteem?
Improving self-esteem is a continuous process. It involves:
- Recognizing negative self-talk: Become aware of negative thoughts and challenge them with positive affirmations.
- Focusing on strengths: Identify and celebrate your talents, skills, and accomplishments.
- Setting realistic goals: Set achievable goals and celebrate your successes along the way.
- Practicing self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would treat a friend.
- Engaging in activities you enjoy: Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
- Surrounding yourself with positive people: Spend time with people who support and encourage you.
- Seeking professional help: If you struggle with low self-esteem, consider seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor.
Remember, self-esteem is not a destination but a journey. It is a lifelong process of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance.