SELF – ESTEEM

Self – esteem is the judgement a person makes about himself/herself. It can also be referred to as the recognition of one’s qualities and abilities including values, goals, talents, worths, physical makeup and purpose in life. Self – esteem can be likened to self-respect.

TYPES OF SELF – ESTEEM

There are two types of self – esteem

High self – esteem
Low self – esteem

HIGH SELF – ESTEEM:

This is an individual that can recognise his or her own strength and skill and can accept and acknowledge successes and achievements. An individual with high self – esteem responds confidently to challenges and problems, then practices positive thinking.

Characteristics of High – Self Esteem

It involves believing in one self and having self confidence
High self – esteem makes a person to accept his weakness and strength
The person will respect and live himself and others
Making one’s decision based in what one feels is right not what a friend may suggest is another characteristic.
The ability to make decisions to face challenges and cope with them

LOW SELF – ESTEEM:

This is when a person experiences feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy, helplessness, inferiority and a sense of being unable to improve his/her situation.

Characteristics of Low – Self Esteem

Lack of self confidence
Inability to express one’s feeling and opinions in the public.
Inability to accept oneself
Have no respect or liking oneself
They feel disliked or unwanted
Always wanting to please others
Always wishing to be like others.

HOW TO IMPROVE SELF – ESTEEM

Accept yourself as you are
Identify your strength and weakness
Identify your values and behave according to them
Set realistic goals
Develop your abilities and be proud of them
Select realistic role models
Cultivate positive relationship
Be pleased with whom you are ‘
Accept compliments

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCES SELF – ESTEEM

Family
The society
Gender
Mass media
Religious organisation
The economic background
Individual achievement

FAMILY: as primary agent of socialization affects the self – esteem of members

SOCIETY: the norms of the society and when we fit in affect our self – esteem

GENDER: roles as defined by culture or law affect our self – esteem

MASS MEDIA: it is a powerful factors that affects and shape one’s self esteem

RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION: they teach one self

The Economic Background or social class a person belongs to affect his self – esteem

Individual achievement is another factor that affect self – esteem