Similar to self-respect, it describes your level of confidence in your abilities and attributes.
Having healthy self-esteem can influence your motivation, your mental well-being, and your overall quality of life.
However, having self-esteem that is either too high or too low can be problematic.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
This makes self-esteem similar to the stability of personality traits over time.
They may not feel motivated to try novel things because they dont believe they can reach their goals.
Those with low self-esteem may have issues with relationships and expressing their needs.
They may also experience low levels of confidence and feel unlovable and unworthy.
Theories of Self-Esteem
Many theorists have written about the dynamics involved in the development of self-esteem.
Maslow suggested that individuals need both appreciation from other people and inner self-respect to build esteem.
Both of these needs must be fulfilled in order for an individual to grow as a person and reachself-actualization.
Factors That Affect Self-Esteem
There are many factors that can influence self-esteem.
It is often our experiences that form the basis for overall self-esteem.
For example, low self-esteem might be brought on by overly critical or negative assessments from family and friends.
Those who experience what Carl Rogers referred to asunconditional positive regardwill be more likely to have healthy self-esteem.
Healthy Self-Esteem
There are some simple ways to tell if you have healthy self-esteem.
Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteemmay manifest in a variety of ways.
You may also find it difficult to pursue your goals and maintain healthy relationships.
Having low self-esteem can seriously impact your quality of life and increases your risk for experiencing suicidal thoughts.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
How do you build self-esteem?
Find out which option is the best for you.
Remember that no one person is less worthy than the next.
Keeping this in mind may help you maintain a healthy sense of self-esteem.
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The boundary conditions of identity commitment and self-esteem.Journal of Vocational Behavior.
2019;10:698. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00698
Brummelman E, Thomaes S, Sedikides C.Separating narcissism from self-esteem.Curr Dir Psychol Sci.
2016;11(4):621-629. doi:10.1093/scan/nsv136
Maslow AH.Motivation and Personality.
New York: Harper & Row; 1987.
