Definition of Self-Esteem

Self-esteem refers to an individual’s subjective evaluation of their own worth. It encompasses beliefs about oneself,
such as confidence in one’s abilities and the value one places on oneself. High self-esteem is characterized by a positive
self-image and a sense of self-acceptance, while low self-esteem involves negative perceptions and feelings of
inadequacy.
Signs of High Self-Esteem
1. Confidence in Abilities: Individuals with high self-esteem are generally confident in their skills and
capabilities.
2. Positive Outlook: They tend to have an optimistic view of life and believe in their potential for
success.
3. Resilience: High self-esteem contributes to resilience, allowing individuals to bounce back from
setbacks.
4. Healthy Relationships: They often maintain healthy boundaries and engage positively with
others.
5. Self-Acceptance: Individuals accept their flaws and imperfections without harsh judgment.
6. Willingness to Take Risks: They are more likely to step out of their comfort zones and embrace
new challenges.
Signs of Low Self-Esteem
1. Negative Self-Talk: Individuals frequently criticize themselves or engage in negative thoughts
about their worth.
2. Fear of Failure: There is often an overwhelming fear of making mistakes or failing at tasks.
3. Social Withdrawal: Low self-esteem can lead to avoidance of social situations due to feelings of
inadequacy.
4. Perfectionism: Some may set unrealistically high standards for themselves, leading to
disappointment when not met.
5. Difficulty Accepting Compliments: Individuals may struggle to accept praise or acknowledgment
from others.
6. Dependence on Others’ Approval: They often seek validation from others to feel good about
themselves.
Effects of Low Self-Esteem
1. Mental Health Issues: Low self-esteem is linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health
disorders.
2. Poor Academic Performance: Students with low self-esteem may underperform academically due
to lack of confidence.
3. Relationship Problems: It can lead to unhealthy relationships characterized by dependency or
conflict.
4. Increased Risk-Taking Behaviors: Some individuals may engage in risky behaviors as a way to
cope with feelings of worthlessness.
5. Physical Health Issues: Chronic stress related to low self-esteem can lead to physical health
problems like hypertension or heart disease.
6. Reduced Motivation: A lack of belief in oneself can result in decreased motivation towards
personal goals.
Factors that Enhance High or Low Self-Esteem
1. Family Environment (Enhancer/Detractor):
o Supportive families foster high self-esteem through encouragement and validation;
conversely, critical families can contribute to low self-esteem.
2. Peer Relationships (Enhancer/Detractor):
o Positive friendships enhance self-worth; bullying or exclusion can diminish it significantly.
3. Personal Achievements (Enhancer):
o Accomplishments boost confidence and reinforce a positive self-image.
4. Cultural Influences (Detractor):
o Societal standards regarding beauty, success, and intelligence can negatively impact
individuals’ perceptions of themselves.
5. Education (Enhancer):
o Educational achievements promote a sense of competence; failure or struggles in school
can lower esteem.
6. Life Experiences (Enhancer/Detractor):
o Positive experiences build resilience; traumatic events can lead to diminished self-worth.
Importance of High Self-Esteem
1. Improved Mental Health: Higher levels correlate with lower rates of anxiety and depression.
2. Better Decision-Making: Confidence allows for clearer thinking and better choices under
pressure.
3. Enhanced Relationships: Healthy self-esteem fosters mutual respect in relationships, leading to
deeper connections.
4. Greater Resilience: Individuals bounce back more effectively from adversity when they have high
self-worth.
5. Increased Motivation: A positive view encourages goal-setting and persistence toward achieving
them.
6. Overall Life Satisfaction: People with high self-esteem report higher levels of happiness and
fulfillment.
Values Associated with High Self-Esteem
1. Self-Respect: Valuing oneself leads individuals to treat themselves kindly and justly.
2. Integrity: High self-esteem promotes honesty as individuals feel secure enough not to
compromise their values for approval.
3. Empathy: Those who value themselves are often more capable of understanding others’ feelings
because they recognize their own worth first.
4. Responsibility: A strong sense of personal responsibility emerges from believing one has the
power over their actions and outcomes.
5. Courage: High self-esteem fosters the courage needed for taking risks or standing up for oneself
or others when necessary.
6. Authenticity: Individuals are more likely to express their true selves rather than conforming
excessively for acceptance.
How To Boost Self-Esteem
1. Practice Positive Affirmations: Regularly affirming one’s strengths helps combat negative thoughts
about oneself.
2. Set Achievable Goals: Establishing small, attainable goals builds confidence through
accomplishment over time.
3. Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise releases endorphins which improve mood and overall well-
being, contributing positively towards one’s perception of themselves.
4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Building relationships with those who uplift rather
than criticize enhances feelings of worthiness.
5. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Actively disputing negative beliefs about oneself helps reshape
one’s internal dialogue into something more constructive.
6. Seek Professional Help if Needed: Therapy or counselling can provide tools for improving one’s
view on themselves through guided support.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

• American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA provides extensive research on psychological concepts including definitions, effects,
signs, and strategies related to mental health topics like self-esteem.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The NIMH offers insights into mental health issues associated with low self-esteem along with
statistics that highlight its prevalence among different populations.
• Psychology Today Magazine & Website Psychology Today features articles written by experts that
discuss various aspects related to psychology including practical advice on boosting self-esteem
based on current research findings in the field.
Group Activity: “Self-Esteem Circle”
Objective: To help students understand the concept of self-esteem, recognize its importance, and learn
how to build and maintain it through peer support.
Activity Overview:
1. Preparation (5 minutes):
o Arrange chairs in a circle to create an inclusive environment.
o Provide each student with a piece of paper and a pen.
2. Introduction (10 minutes):
o Begin with a brief discussion about self-esteem. Define self-esteem as the perception of
one’s worth or value.
o Explain its significance in personal development, mental health, and social interactions.
3. Self-Reflection (10 minutes):
o Ask each student to write down three positive qualities they possess or achievements
they are proud of. Encourage them to think deeply about their strengths.
4. Sharing (15 minutes):
o Invite students to share one quality or achievement from their list with the group.
o As each student shares, encourage others to respond positively, reinforcing the idea that
everyone has unique strengths.
5. Group Discussion (10 minutes):
o Facilitate a discussion on how these qualities can be nurtured and how students can
support each other in building self-esteem.
o Discuss common challenges related to self-esteem and strategies for overcoming them.
6. Affirmation Exercise (5 minutes):
o Conclude the activity by having students write affirmations for themselves based on what
they shared and heard from others.
o They can read these affirmations aloud if comfortable or keep them private as reminders
of their worth.
7. Wrap-Up (5 minutes):
o Summarize key points discussed during the activity, emphasizing the importance of
recognizing one’s value and supporting peers in their journeys toward higher self-esteem.

Top 5 Credible References

1. Branden, Nathaniel. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem. Bantam Books, 1994. (Print)
2. Rosenberg, Morris. Society and the Adolescent Self-Image. Princeton University Press, 1965.
(Print)
3. Harter, Susan. The Construction of the Self: Developmental and Sociocultural Foundations.
Guilford Press, 1999. (Print)
4. Neff, Kristin D., et al. “Self-Compassion: An Alternative Conceptualization of a Healthy Attitude
Toward Oneself.” Self and Identity, vol. 2, no. 2, 2003, pp. 85-101. (Web)
5. Schmitt, David P., et al., “The Importance of Self-Esteem in Adolescence.” Journal of Personality,
vol. 76, no. 6, 2008, pp. 1567-1590. (Web)
Short Stories from African Cultures that Teach about Self-Esteem
1. The Tortoise and the Hare (West African Folktale)
This well-known fable from West Africa features a tortoise who, despite being slow and seemingly at a
disadvantage, challenges the boastful hare to a race. The hare, overconfident in his speed, takes a nap
midway through the race, allowing the tortoise to win. This story teaches that self-esteem is not solely
based on one’s abilities or outward appearances but rather on determination and perseverance. The
tortoise’s confidence in himself leads him to victory, illustrating that belief in oneself can overcome
natural disadvantages.
2. The Lion’s Whisker (Ethiopian Folktale)
In this Ethiopian tale, a young boy seeks to gain the love of his stepmother, who is cold towards him. He
learns from an elder that he must bring back a lion’s whisker to prove his bravery and worthiness. After
facing many challenges and ultimately befriending the lion instead of harming it, he returns with the
whisker. His journey teaches him about courage, compassion, and self-worth. The story emphasizes that
true strength comes from kindness and understanding rather than aggression or fear.
3. Anansi and the Pot of Wisdom (Ghanaian Folktale)
Anansi, the spider trickster figure in Ghanaian folklore, learns about humility and self-esteem through his
quest for wisdom. In this tale, Anansi discovers that all the wisdom of the world is contained in a pot that
he wishes to keep for himself. However, as he tries to hide it away from others out of fear they might be
wiser than him, he realizes that wisdom should be shared rather than hoarded. This story illustrates that
self-esteem is enhanced not by superiority over others but by recognizing one’s own strengths while
valuing those of others.