What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is defined as “a confidence and satisfaction in oneself.” It is your overall evaluation of your self-worth and how you value your own attributes. Your self-esteem depends on how you compare what you’d like to be with how you actually see yourself.

Psychologists describe key components of self-esteem as how you evaluate yourself in term of:

• What are your important characteristics?
• What are you good at?
• What are you not so good at?
• What kinds of situations do you prefer or avoid?

People high in self-esteem value their personal qualities, generally think well of themselves, set appropriate and realistic goals and tend to cope more successfully with difficult situations. People low in self-esteem place little value on their own attributes, think poorly of themselves and are at greater risk for depression.

A commonly used measure of self-esteem in research studies (Rosenberg, 1965) asks respondents to indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false for them:

1. I feel that I have a number of good qualities.
2. I feel I do not have much to be proud of.
3. At times I think I am no good at all.
4. I feel I am a person of worth, at least on an equal basis with others.
5. All in all, I feel that I am a failure.
6. On the whole, I am satisfied with myself.

Those who answer “true” on items 1, 4, and 6, would be considered to have higher self-esteem. Those who answer “true” to items 2, 3, and 5, would be considered to have lower self-esteem.

What are the signs of low self-esteem?

Persons with low self-esteem:

• Think poorly of themselves and consider themselves unworthy
• Often select unrealistic goals or shy away from challenges
• Tend to be pessimistic about the future
• Operate out of a fear of rejection
• Are typically unassertive in their interactions with others
• Are fearful of conflict with others
• Respond negatively to criticism or other kinds of negative feedback
• Crave the approval of others.
• Find it difficult to accept compliments or recognition from others

Where to go for more information about self-esteem:

Kids, to better understand what self-esteem is, how it develops, why it’s important and ways of boosting it, go to: http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/emotion/self_esteem.html

Teens, for ideas on improving your self-esteem, go to: http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/self_esteem.html