Self-esteem (आत्म-सम्मान) is confidence in one’s worth or abilities. It encompasses beliefs about oneself (for example, “I am loved”, and “I am worthy”) as well as emotional states, such as triumph, despair, pride, and shame. The benefits of high self-esteem are thought to include improved mental and physical health and less anti-social behavior while drawbacks of low self-esteem are anxiety, loneliness, and increased vulnerability to substance abuse. It can apply to a specific attribute or globally. Psychologists usually regard it as an enduring personality characteristic, though normal, short-term variations also exist. Synonyms or near-synonyms include self-worth, self-regard, self-respect, and self-integrity.
What is Self-esteem?
Risk factors
It refers to a person’s overall subjective evaluation of their worth and value. While it can be influenced by various factors, some common risk factors that may negatively impact self-esteem include:
Negative childhood experiences
Early experiences, such as neglect, abuse, or frequent criticism, can significantly impact self-esteem later in life. These experiences can create feelings of unworthiness and undermine one’s confidence and self-perception.
Social Comparison and societal standards
Constantly comparing oneself to others, especially in terms of appearance, achievements, or social status, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem. Societal standards of beauty, success, and happiness can also contribute to a negative self-image if one feels they do not measure up.
Perfectionism
Having excessively high expectations and striving for perfection can be detrimental. When individuals constantly feel that they fall short of their own or others’ expectations, it can lead to self-criticism and a diminished sense of self-worth.
Bullying and peer rejection
Experiencing bullying, exclusion, or rejection by peers can have a significant impact, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Continuous negative interactions and social isolation can erode one’s confidence and self-perception.
Critical self-talk
Engaging in negative self-talk, self-criticism, and harsh self-judgment can gradually chip away. Constantly berating oneself, focusing on weaknesses rather than strengths, and internalizing negative feedback can contribute to a negative self-perception.
Traumatic life events
Experiencing traumatic events, such as accidents, loss of loved ones, or serious illnesses, can have a profound impact. These events can lead to feelings of powerlessness, guilt, or shame, which may undermine one’s sense of self-worth.
Media influence
Media portrayals of idealized beauty, success, and lifestyles can negatively affect self-esteem. Constant exposure to unrealistic standards and unattainable images can create feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with oneself.
Lack of social support
A lack of positive social relationships and support systems can contribute to low self-esteem. Feeling isolated or unsupported can reinforce negative self-perceptions and make it harder to develop a healthy sense of self-worth.
It is important to note that these risk factors do not guarantee low self-esteem, as individuals may respond differently based on their resilience, coping mechanisms, and support systems. Building involves addressing these risk factors through self-reflection, seeking support, challenging negative beliefs, and developing self-compassion.
Types
High Self-esteem
People with a healthy level:
- Firmly believe in certain values and principles, and are ready to defend them even when finding opposition, feeling secure enough to modify them in light of experience.
- Can act according to what they think to be the best choice, trusting their judgment, and not feeling guilty when others do not like their choice.
- Do not lose time worrying excessively about what happened in the past, nor about what could happen in the future. They learn from the past and plan for the future, but live in the present intensely.
- Fully trust in their capacity to solve problems, not hesitating after failures and difficulties. They ask others for help when they need it.
- Consider themselves equal in dignity to others, rather than inferior or superior, while accepting differences in certain talents, personal prestige, or financial standing.
- Understand how they are an interesting and valuable person to others, at least to those with whom they have a friendship.
- Resist manipulation, and collaborate with others only if it seems appropriate and convenient.
- Admit and accept different internal feelings and drives, either positive or negative, revealing those drives to others only when they choose.
- Can enjoy a great variety of activities.
- Are sensitive to feelings and needs of others; respect generally accepted social rules, and claim no right or desire to prosper at others’ expense.
- Can work toward finding solutions and voice discontent without belittling themselves or others when challenges arise.
Secure vs. defensive Self-esteem
A person can have high self-esteem and hold it confidently where they do not need reassurance from others to maintain their positive self-view, whereas others with defensive high self-esteem may still report positive self-evaluations on the Rosenberg Scale, as all high self-esteem individuals do; however, their positive self-views are fragile and vulnerable to criticism.
Defensive high self-esteem individuals internalize subconscious self-doubts and insecurities, causing them to react very negatively to any criticism they may receive. There is a need for constant positive feedback from others for these individuals to maintain their feelings of self-worth. The necessity of repeated praise can be associated with boastful, arrogant behavior or sometimes even aggressive and hostile feelings toward anyone who questions the individual’s self-worth, an example of threatened egotism.
Implicit and explicit Self-esteem Self-esteem
Implicit refers to a person’s disposition to evaluate themselves positively or negatively in a spontaneous, automatic, or unconscious manner. It contrasts with explicit self-esteem, which entails more conscious and reflective self-evaluation. Both explicit and implicit self-esteem are theoretical subtypes.
Narcissism and threatened egotism Self-esteem
Narcissism is a disposition people may have that represents an excessive love for one’s self. It is characterized by an inflated view of self-worth. Individuals who score high on narcissism measures, Robert Raskin’s Narcissistic Personality Inventory, would likely select true to such statements as “If I ruled the world, it would be a much better place.”
In addition to exaggerated regard for oneself, however, narcissism is additionally defined by such characteristics as entitlement, exploitativeness, and dominance. Additionally, while positive self-image is a shared characteristic of narcissism and self-esteem, narcissistic self-appraisals are exaggerated, whereas, in non-narcissistic self-esteem, positive views of the self compared with others are relatively modest.
Low Self-esteem
Low self-esteem can result from various factors, including genetic factors, physical appearance or weight, mental health issues, socioeconomic status, significant emotional experiences, social stigma, peer pressure, or bullying.
A person with low self-esteem may show some of the following characteristics:
- Heavy self-criticism and dissatisfaction.
- Hypersensitivity to criticism with resentment against critics and feelings of being attacked.
- Chronic indecision and an exaggerated fear of mistakes.
- The excessive will to please and unwillingness to displease any petitioner.
- Perfectionism, which can lead to frustration when perfection is not achieved.
- Neurotic guilt, dwelling on or exaggerating the magnitude of past mistakes.
- Floating hostility and general defensiveness and irritability without any proximate cause.
- Pessimism and a generally negative outlook.
- Envy, insidiousness, or general resentment.
- Sees temporary setbacks as permanent, intolerable conditions.
Individuals with low self-esteem tend to be critical of themselves.
Symptoms of High and Low Self-esteem
High Self-Esteem
- Confidence: Individuals with high self-esteem often display a sense of confidence in their abilities and decisions. They believe in themselves and their potential for success.
- Positive self-image: They have a generally positive view of themselves, accepting their strengths and weaknesses without excessive self-criticism.
- Assertiveness: People with high self-esteem are more likely to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs respectfully and assertively, without feeling overly anxious or submissive.
- Resilience: They tend to bounce back from setbacks and failures more easily. High self-esteem helps individuals maintain a positive outlook and persevere through challenges.
- Healthy relationships: Individuals with high self-esteem are more likely to form and maintain healthy relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and support.
- Self-care: They prioritize self-care and have a healthy sense of self-worth, understanding their needs and taking steps to meet them.
- Goal-setting: People with high self-esteem set realistic and achievable goals for themselves, believing in their ability to succeed.
- Openness to feedback: They are open to receiving constructive criticism and can evaluate it without feeling defensive or personally attacked.
Low Self-Esteem
- Self-criticism: Individuals with low tend to engage in negative self-talk, constantly criticizing themselves, and focusing on their perceived flaws and shortcomings.
- Negative self-image: They have a generally negative perception of themselves, often feeling inadequate, unworthy, or unlovable.
- Lack of confidence: Low can lead to a lack of confidence in one’s abilities and decisions. Individuals may doubt their skills and hesitate to take on new challenges.
- Social withdrawal: People with low may avoid social interactions and isolate themselves due to fear of judgment or rejection.
- Perfectionism or self-doubt: They may have unrealistically high standards for themselves and fear making mistakes. This can lead to constant self-doubt and a fear of failure.
- Difficulty accepting compliments: Individuals with low may struggle to accept compliments or dismiss them as insincere or undeserved.
- Dependency on others: They may seek constant validation and approval from others, relying on external sources for their self-worth and self-esteem.
- Negative emotional state: Low is often associated with feelings of sadness, worthlessness, anxiety, and a general lack of motivation or enthusiasm.
It’s important to remember that it can fluctuate, and individuals may exhibit a mix of symptoms depending on the situation and their overall well-being.
Self-esteem Treatments
Metacognitive therapy, EMDR technique, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trait and construct therapies have been shown to improve the patient.
How to develop Self-esteem?
Developing self-esteem is a process that takes time and effort. Here are some strategies that can help you build and improve it:
Practice self-compassion
Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Replace self-criticism with self-compassionate thoughts and self-talk. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to be imperfect.
Identify and challenge negative beliefs
Pay attention to negative thoughts and beliefs you have about yourself. Challenge them by examining the evidence supporting those beliefs and finding alternative, more positive perspectives. Replace negative thoughts with affirmations and positive self-talk.
Set realistic goals and celebrate achievements
Set small, achievable goals for yourself and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Recognize your strengths and acknowledge the progress you make, no matter how small it may seem.
Surround yourself with positive influences
Spend time with supportive and encouraging people who uplift you and believe in your abilities. Distance yourself from negative and toxic influences that undermine your self-esteem.
Take care of your physical well-being
Engage in activities that promote your physical health, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. Taking care of your body can positively impact your self-esteem.
Cultivate self-care practices
Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and fulfillment. This could include hobbies, creative pursuits, spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that nurture your well-being.
Develop your strengths
Identify your unique strengths and talents and find ways to develop and utilize them. Engaging in activities that align with your strengths can boost your confidence.
Seek support
Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals such as therapists or counselors who can provide guidance and support in building your self-esteem. They can offer new perspectives, help you work through challenges, and provide constructive feedback.Practice self-care and self-acceptance
Treat yourself with care and prioritize self-care activities. Take time to relax, engage in activities you enjoy, and practice self-acceptance. Embrace your uniqueness and appreciate yourself for who you are.
Focus on personal growth
Engage in continuous learning and personal development. Set goals for acquiring new skills or knowledge and challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Celebrate your growth and recognize the progress you make along the way.
Remember that developing self-esteem is a journey, and it’s normal to have ups and downs. Be patient and kind to yourself as you work towards building a healthy and positive self-perception.
Importance of Self-esteem
Helps reach goals and self-actualize
Abraham Maslow states that psychological health is not possible unless the essential core of the person is fundamentally accepted, loved, and respected by others and by oneself.
Self-esteem allows creativity
Understanding this is fundamental, and universally beneficial since the development of positive self-esteem increases the capacity to treat other people with respect, benevolence, and goodwill, thus favoring rich interpersonal relationships and avoiding destructive ones. For Erich Fromm, the love of others and the love of ourselves are not alternatives. On the contrary, an attitude of love toward themselves will be found in all those who are capable of loving others.
The importance of self-esteem is obvious
José-Vicente Bonet claims that the importance of self-esteem is obvious as a lack of self-esteem is, he says, not a loss of esteem from others, but self-rejection. Bonet claims that this corresponds to major depressive disorder. Freud also claimed that the depressive has suffered “an extraordinary diminution in his self-regard, an impoverishment of his ego on a grand scale… He has lost his self-respect”.
Protects against mental distress
The Yogyakarta Principles, a document on international human rights law, addresses the discriminatory attitude toward LGBT people that makes their self-esteem low to be subject to human rights violations including human trafficking. The World Health Organization recommends in “Preventing Suicide”, published in 2000, that strengthening students’ self-esteem is important to protect children and adolescents against mental distress and despondency, enabling them to cope adequately with difficult and stressful life situations.
Better ability to cope with stress
Other than increased happiness, higher self-esteem is also known to correlate with a better ability to cope with stress and a higher likeliness of taking on difficult tasks relative to those with low self-esteem.
Correlations
High self-esteem has a high correlation to self-reported happiness; whether this is a causal relationship has not been established. The relationship between self-esteem and life satisfaction is stronger in individualistic cultures.
Additionally, self-esteem is related to forgiveness in close relationships, in that people with high self-esteem will be more forgiving than people with low self-esteem. High self-esteem does not prevent children from smoking, drinking, taking drugs, or engaging in early sex.
Mental Health
Self-esteem has been associated with several mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. For example, low self-esteem may increase the likelihood that people who experience dysfunctional thoughts will develop symptoms of depression. In contrast, high self-esteem may protect against the development of mental health conditions, with research finding that high self-esteem reduces the chances of bulimia and anxiety.
How to develop Healthy Self-esteem?
Developing healthy self-esteem is a process that requires self-reflection and intentional actions. Here are some strategies to help you cultivate and strengthen your self-esteem:
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Practice self-acceptance: Embrace your strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledge that nobody is perfect, and it’s okay to have flaws. Treat yourself with kindness, compassion, and understanding.
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Challenge negative self-talk: Notice and challenge negative thoughts or self-critical inner dialogue. Replace negative self-talk with positive and affirming statements. Focus on your achievements, strengths, and positive qualities.
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Set realistic goals: Set achievable goals that align with your values and interests. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps. As you accomplish each step, celebrate your progress and give yourself credit for your efforts.
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Celebrate successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognize your accomplishments and give yourself praise for your hard work and determination.
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Surround yourself with positive influences: Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting individuals who appreciate and encourage you. Limit your exposure to people who bring you down or undermine your self-esteem.
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Take care of your physical and mental well-being: Engage in activities that promote your physical and mental well-being. Exercise regularly, eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, and engage in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
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Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. This can include practicing mindfulness meditation, engaging in relaxation techniques, spending time in nature, or engaging in activities that help you unwind and recharge.
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Seek support if needed: If you find it challenging to improve your self-esteem on your own, don’t hesitate to seek support from a therapist or counselor. They can provide guidance, tools, and techniques to help you build healthy self-esteem.
Remember, developing healthy self-esteem is an ongoing journey. Be patient with yourself and be willing to put in the effort to cultivate a positive self-image. With time and practice, you can foster a strong sense of self-worth and lead a more fulfilling life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, self-esteem plays a vital role in shaping our overall well-being and success. It is the foundation upon which we build our confidence, resilience, and belief in our abilities. When we possess a healthy level of self-esteem, we are more likely to take on challenges, embrace opportunities, and maintain positive relationships. Conversely, low self-esteem can hinder our personal growth, limit our achievements, and contribute to negative self-talk and self-doubt. It is crucial to nurture and develop our self-esteem by practicing self-care, setting realistic goals, celebrating our achievements, and surrounding ourselves with supportive and uplifting individuals. By cultivating a strong sense of self-worth, we can lead happier, more fulfilling lives and reach our fullest potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is self-esteem?
A: Self-esteem refers to an individual’s overall evaluation and perception of their self-worth. It involves having positive regard for oneself and believing in one’s abilities and values as a person.
Q: How does self-esteem develop?
A: Self-esteem can develop through a combination of various factors, including personal experiences, relationships, societal influences, and internal beliefs. Positive experiences, supportive relationships, and achievements contribute to higher self-esteem, while negative experiences, criticism, and failure can lower self-esteem.
Q: What are the signs of healthy self-esteem?
A: Individuals with healthy self-esteem generally exhibit confidence in their abilities, are resilient in the face of challenges, have a positive outlook on life, and maintain positive relationships. They are comfortable with themselves, accept their imperfections, and can set realistic goals and pursue them.
Q: What are the effects of low self-esteem?
A: Low self-esteem can have detrimental effects on various aspects of life. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and constant self-criticism. Individuals with low self-esteem may struggle with asserting themselves, experience difficulties in relationships, and have a higher risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Q: How can I improve my self-esteem?
A: Improving self-esteem is a gradual process that requires self-reflection and conscious effort. Some strategies include practicing self-care, setting achievable goals, challenging negative thoughts, surrounding yourself with supportive people, seeking therapy or counseling, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Q: Can self-esteem fluctuate?
A: Yes, self-esteem can fluctuate throughout life. It is normal to have ups and downs in self-esteem, as it can be influenced by various factors such as life events, relationships, and personal experiences. However, cultivating a strong foundation of self-worth and implementing healthy self-esteem practices can help in maintaining overall positive self-esteem over time.
Q: Is self-esteem the same as self-confidence?
A: While self-esteem and self-confidence are related, they are not the same. Self-esteem refers to the overall evaluation of one’s self-worth, while self-confidence specifically relates to belief in one’s abilities to accomplish tasks or succeed in specific areas. Self-esteem provides the foundation for self-confidence to flourish.
Q: Can I help someone else improve their self-esteem?
A: Yes, you can support someone in improving their self-esteem. Encouragement, empathy, and offering a listening ear can be helpful. It’s important to avoid judgment, provide positive feedback, and help them challenge negative self-perceptions. However, ultimately, individuals must take ownership of their self-esteem and engage in the necessary self-reflection and personal growth.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-esteem
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