how to build confidence and self esteem essay

Essay on Self Esteem

Students are often asked to write an essay on Self Esteem in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Self Esteem

Understanding self-esteem.

Self-esteem is the opinion we have about ourselves. It’s about how much we value and respect ourselves. High self-esteem means you think highly of yourself, while low self-esteem means you don’t.

Importance of Self-Esteem

Building self-esteem.

Building self-esteem requires positive self-talk, self-acceptance, and self-love. It’s about focusing on your strengths, forgiving your mistakes, and celebrating your achievements.

250 Words Essay on Self Esteem

Introduction.

Self-esteem, a fundamental concept in psychology, refers to an individual’s overall subjective emotional evaluation of their own worth. It encompasses beliefs about oneself and emotional states, such as triumph, despair, pride, and shame. It is a critical aspect of personal identity, shaping our perception of the world and our place within it.

The Dual Facet of Self-Esteem

Impact of self-esteem.

High self-esteem can lead to positive outcomes. It encourages risk-taking, resilience, and optimism, fostering success in various life domains. Conversely, low self-esteem can result in fear of failure, social anxiety, and susceptibility to mental health issues like depression. Thus, it’s crucial to nurture self-esteem for psychological well-being.

Building self-esteem involves recognizing one’s strengths and weaknesses and accepting them. It requires self-compassion and challenging negative self-perceptions. Positive affirmations, setting and achieving goals, and maintaining healthy relationships can all contribute to enhancing self-esteem.

In conclusion, self-esteem is a complex, multifaceted construct that significantly influences our lives. It is not static and can be improved with conscious effort. Understanding and nurturing our self-esteem is vital for achieving personal growth and leading a fulfilling life.

500 Words Essay on Self Esteem

Self-esteem, a fundamental aspect of psychological health, is the overall subjective emotional evaluation of one’s self-worth. It is a judgment of oneself as well as an attitude toward the self. The importance of self-esteem lies in the fact that it concerns our perceptions and beliefs about ourselves, which can shape our experiences and actions.

The Two Types of Self-esteem

Self-esteem can be classified into two types: high and low. High self-esteem indicates a highly favorable impression of oneself, whereas low self-esteem reflects a negative view. People with high self-esteem generally feel good about themselves and value their worth, while those with low self-esteem usually harbor negative feelings about themselves, often leading to feelings of inadequacy, incompetence, and unlovability.

Factors Influencing Self-esteem

Impact of self-esteem on life.

Self-esteem significantly impacts individuals’ mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. High self-esteem can lead to positive outcomes, such as better stress management, resilience, and life satisfaction. On the other hand, low self-esteem is associated with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It can also lead to poor academic and job performance, problematic relationships, and increased vulnerability to drug and alcohol abuse.

Improving Self-esteem

Improving self-esteem requires a multifaceted approach. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help individuals challenge their negative beliefs about themselves and develop healthier thought patterns. Regular physical activity, healthy eating, and adequate sleep can also boost self-esteem by improving physical health. Furthermore, positive social interactions and relationships can enhance self-esteem by providing emotional support and validation. Lastly, self-compassion and self-care practices can foster a more positive self-image and promote higher self-esteem.

In conclusion, self-esteem is a critical component of our psychological well-being, influencing our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is shaped by various factors and can significantly impact our lives. However, it’s not a fixed attribute, and with the right strategies and support, individuals can improve their self-esteem, leading to better mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Therefore, understanding and fostering self-esteem is essential for personal growth and development.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Develop Self Confidence Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

The first step is preparing for the journey

The second step is setting out to begin the journey, the third and the final step is accelerating towards success.

Self-confidence is ones status of being assured and having a strong belief in himself and his abilities. A person who is self-confident does not struggle too much to make decisions. This essay paper focuses on the three main steps of developing self-confidence. They include; initial preparation, setting out for the process, and accelerating towards success. The final success is determined by both self-efficacy and esteem.

This is the journey to self-confidence that may be long or short depending on the person in question. It’s good for a person to identify first where he is, and his destination. The person should focus on what he has already achieved, at least ten of his best achievements. These should be written somewhere for references.

While still preparing for the journey, it’s good to think about your strengths. This part should include weaknesses, opportunities and threats, but put emphasis on strengths. The other important aspect is managing ones mind by defeating inner talks that can deter the confidence. The final part of preparing for the journey is, committing yourself to succeed.

The right way should be towards the set goals. At this stage one should gather all the knowledge he or she requires so as to succeed. This involves looking for the required skills and acquiring them to be fully equipped. Let the basics be the starting point of the whole process, thus one should not emphasis on perfection but do simple things successfully.

The main objective here would be to set small goals, achieving them successfully, and rejoicing for the achievements. There is no need of setting big challenging goals at this point. While still setting up for the journey, one should keep his or her mind on the positive side. This can be achieved through rejoicing for the attained success. On the other hand, ones mind should also have some techniques of handling failure. Mistakes are inevitable especially when one is trying something for the first time.

At this stage one start feeling some self-confidence developing. There will be several achieved small goals in step 2 to be celebrated in this stage. One feels there is a room for making bigger goals with tougher challenges. Here the person feels more committed than before. At this point some people tend to be over confident due to over stretching themselves.

This should not be the case, as one should stay grounded. Its advisable now for one to evaluate himself or her to see how far is the development. While doing self-evaluation, one finds it simple to identify some unique strategies for developing self-confidence. Stretching bit by bit without overdoing it will lead to a top level of self-confidence.

In conclusion , each step of the three main steps is connected to the other. The first step of preparing for the journey is setting the base for the next step. The crucial aspects set in step two are the ones being celebrated in step three making the process a success.

• The Parable Of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15)
• Self-Confidence in the UAE
• Race and Gender in Physical Education and Sports
• Moral Intelligence Development
• The Role of Human Intelligence in the Country Security
• Aspects of Self-Concept Essay
• Taking Risks Conception
• Informal Logic-Fallacies Definition
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, July 22). How to Develop Self Confidence. https://ivypanda.com/essays/how-to-develop-self-confidence/

"How to Develop Self Confidence." IvyPanda , 22 July 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/how-to-develop-self-confidence/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'How to Develop Self Confidence'. 22 July.

IvyPanda . 2018. "How to Develop Self Confidence." July 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/how-to-develop-self-confidence/.

1. IvyPanda . "How to Develop Self Confidence." July 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/how-to-develop-self-confidence/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "How to Develop Self Confidence." July 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/how-to-develop-self-confidence/.

Essay On Self Confidence

500 words essay on self confidence.

Self-confidence refers to the state of mind where a person pushes their boundaries and encourages belief within oneself. It is something which comes from self-love. In order to have confidence in yourself, one must love oneself to get freedom from constant doubt. This essay on self confidence will help you learn more about it in detail.

The Key to Success

It won’t be far-fetched to say that self-confidence is the key to success. If not, it is definitely the first step towards success. When a person has self-confidence, they are halfway through their battle.

People in school and workplaces achieve success by taking more initiatives and being more forward and active in life. Moreover, they tend to make better decisions because of having confidence in oneself.

Thus, it makes them stand out of the crowd. When you stand apart, people will definitely notice you. Thus, it increases your chances of attaining success in life. Alternatively, if there is a person who does not trust or believe in himself, it will be tough.

They will find it hard to achieve success because they will be exposed to failure as well as criticism. Thus, without self-confidence, they may not get back on their feet as fast as someone who possesses self-confidence.

In addition to gaining success, one also enjoys a variety of perks as well. For instance, you can find a job more easily. Similarly, you may find the magnitude of a difficult job lesser than it is.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Importance of Self Confidence

Self-confidence allows us to face our failure and own up to it in a positive light. Moreover, it helps us to raise many times. This helps instil a quality in use which ensures we do not give up till we succeed.

Similarly, self-confidence instils optimism in us. People who have self-confidence are not lucky, they are smart. They do not rely on others to achieve success , they rely on their own abilities to do that.

While self-confidence is important, it is also important to not become overconfident. As we know, anything in excess can be bad for us. Similarly, overconfidence is also no exception.

When you become overconfident, you do not acknowledge the criticism. When you don’t do that, you do not work on yourself. Thus, it stops your growth. Overlooking all this will prove to be harmful.

So it is essential to have moderation which can let you attain just the right amount of self-confidence and self-love which will assure you success and happiness in life.

Conclusion of the Essay on Self Confidence

All in all, a person will gain self-confidence from their own personal experience and decision. No one speech or conversation can bring an overnight change. It is a gradual but constant process we must all participate in. It will take time but once you achieve it, nothing can stop you from conquering every height in life.

FAQ on Essay on Self Confidence

Question 1: What is the importance of self-confidence?

Answer 1: Self-confidence allows a person to free themselves from self-doubt and negative thoughts about oneself. When you are more fearless, you will have less  anxiety . This is what self-confidence can offer you. It will also help you take smart risks and get rid of social anxiety.

Question 2: How do you develop self-confidence paragraph?

Answer 2: To develop self-confidence, one must first look at what they have achieved so far. Then, never forget the things you are good at. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, so focus on your strengths. Set up some goals and get a hobby as well. Give yourself the pep talk to hype up your confidence.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Practical Ways to Improve Your Confidence (and Why You Should)

Self-confidence is just one element in a triad of things that make up our overall “confidence.” Here’s what you can do to boost yours.

By Eric Ravenscraft

Self-confidence is a bit like the running water in your house. You may not know every detail about how it works or where it comes from, but it’s painfully obvious when it’s not there. Like when your water is shut off, a dearth of self-confidence has a huge negative impact on your health and lifestyle. Fortunately, there are things you can do to shore it up.

What is confidence?

In everyday conversation, self-confidence is often confused with self-esteem, and it overlaps with the less well-known term “self-efficacy.” However, psychology gives each of these terms a specific definition. It’s helpful to distinguish among the three:

Self-Efficacy : This term, as defined by Albert Bandura, a Canadian-American psychologist , refers to your belief in your ability to accomplish specific tasks. If you believe you’re capable of cooking dinner or completing a project, this is reflective of high self-efficacy. People with low self-efficacy often put less effort into a task if they don’t believe they’ll succeed at it, increasing the likelihood of failure.

Self-Confidence : In contrast, according to Dr. Bandura , self-confidence is more of a general view of how likely you are to accomplish a goal, especially based on your past experience. When you practice playing piano, you increase your confidence in your ability to play the piano. This can also apply to how likely you believe you are to be accepted in a social group. If you’ve been made fun of for your underwater basket-weaving hobby, you might be less confident sharing it with others next time. Self-confidence and self-efficacy are both rooted in experience, but self-confidence reflects a broader view of yourself, rather than your confidence in specific tasks.

Self-Esteem : The term most often confused with self-confidence is the one perhaps least similar to it. Self-esteem refers to a belief in your overall worth. Broad statements like “I’m a good person” fall into this category. Self-esteem is one of the levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs , and improvements to self-confidence can contribute to your broader self-esteem.

These concepts overlap, and psychologists disagree about where the lines are between each one . You can have enough confidence to believe that you’re capable of learning how to play a new game, for example, while simultaneously lacking the self-efficacy to believe that you’ll be any good when you first start. Likewise, you can have zero confidence in your ability to cook while still believing you’re a good person and deserving of love.

[Like what you’re reading? Sign up here for the Smarter Living newsletter to get stories like this (and much more!) delivered straight to your inbox every Monday morning.]

High confidence leads to more chances to improve

Self-confidence is your belief in how good you are at something, but it’s not a measure of your actual skill. So why does it matter if you believe in yourself? According to Charlie Houpert, the author of “Charisma on Command” and the founder of a 2.7-million-subscriber YouTube channel of the same name, confidence doesn’t just make you feel better, it also helps you take risks to make tangible improvements to your life.

“Internally, true self-confidence will lead to more positivity, happiness and resilience,” Mr. Houpert said. “Externally, high self-confidence will lead to taking more risks, which directly correlates with reaping more rewards.”

The “Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology” puts it another way: “If the person lacks confidence, again there will be no action. That’s why a lack of confidence is sometimes referred to as ‘crippling doubt.’ Doubt can impair effort before the action begins or while it is ongoing.”

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

5 ways to build lasting self-esteem

Share this idea.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Everyone is in favor of high self-esteem — but cultivating it can be surprisingly tough. Psychologist Guy Winch explains why — and describes smart ways we can help build ourselves up.

Many of us recognize the value of improving our feelings of self-worth. When our self-esteem is higher, we not only feel better about ourselves, we are more resilient as well. Brain scan studies demonstrate that when our self-esteem is higher, we are likely to experience common emotional wounds such as rejection  and failure  as less painful, and bounce back from them more quickly. When our self-esteem is higher, we are also less vulnerable to anxiety ; we release less cortisol into our bloodstream when under stress, and it is  less likely to linger in our system.

But as wonderful as it is to have higher self-esteem, it turns out that improving it is no easy task. Despite the endless array of articles, programs and products promising to enhance our self-esteem, the reality is that many of them do not work and some are even likely to make us feel worse .

Part of the problem is that our self-esteem is rather unstable to begin with, as it can fluctuate daily, if not hourly. Further complicating matters, our self-esteem comprises both our global feelings about ourselves as well as how we feel about ourselves in the specific domains of our lives (e.g., as a father, a nurse, an athlete, etc.).  The more meaningful a specific domain of self-esteem, the greater the impact it has on our global self-esteem. Having someone wince when they taste the not-so-delicious dinner you prepared will hurt a chef’s self-esteem much more than someone for whom cooking is not a significant aspect of their identity.

Lastly, having high self-esteem is indeed a good thing, but only in moderation. Very high self-esteem — like that of narcissists — is often quite brittle. Such people might feel great about themselves much of the time but they also tend to be extremely vulnerable to criticism and negative feedback and respond to it in ways that stunts their psychological self-growth .

That said, it is certainly possible to improve our self-esteem if we go about it the right way. Here are five ways to nourish your self-esteem when it is low:

1. Use positive affirmations correctly

Positive affirmations such as “I am going to be a great success!” are extremely popular, but they have one critical problem — they tend to make people with low self-worth feel worse about themselves. Why? Because when our self-esteem is low, such declarations are simply too contrary to our existing beliefs . Ironically, positive affirmations do work for one subset of people — those whose self-esteem is already high. For affirmations to work when your self-esteem is lagging, tweak them to make them more believable. For example, change “I’m going to be a great success!” to “I’m going to persevere until I succeed!”

2. Identify your competencies and develop them

Self-esteem is built by demonstrating real ability and achievement in areas of our lives that matter to us. If you pride yourself on being a good cook, throw more dinner parties. If you’re a good runner, sign up for races and train for them. In short, figure out your core competencies and find opportunities and careers that accentuate them.  

3. Learn to accept compliments

One of the trickiest aspects of improving self-esteem is that when we feel bad about ourselves we tend to be more resistant to compliments  — even though that is when we most need them. So, set yourself the goal to tolerate compliments when you receive them, even if they make you uncomfortable (and they will). The best way to avoid the reflexive reactions of batting away compliments is to prepare simple set responses and train yourself to use them automatically whenever you get good feedback (e.g., “Thank you” or “How kind of you to say”). In time, the impulse to deny or rebuff compliments will fade — which will also be a nice indication your self-esteem is getting stronger.

4. Eliminate self-criticism and introduce self-compassion 

Unfortunately, when our self-esteem is low, we are likely to damage it even further by being self-critical. Since our goal is to enhance our self-esteem, we need to substitute self-criticism (which is almost always entirely useless, even if it feels compelling) with self-compassion . Specifically, whenever your self-critical inner monologue kicks in, ask yourself what you would say to a dear friend if they were in your situation (we tend to be much more compassionate to friends than we are to ourselves) and direct those comments to yourself. Doing so will avoid damaging your self-esteem further with critical thoughts, and help build it up instead.

5. Affirm your real worth

The following exercise has been demonstrated to help revive your self-esteem after it sustained a blow:  Make a list of qualities you have that are meaningful in the specific context. For example, if you got rejected by your date, list qualities that make you a good relationship prospect (for example, being loyal or emotionally available); if you failed to get a work promotion, list qualities that make you a valuable employee (you have a strong work ethic or are responsible). Then choose one of the items on your list and write a brief essay (one to two paragraphs) about why the quality is valuable and likely to be appreciated by other people in the future. Do the exercise every day for a week or whenever you need a self-esteem boost.

The bottom line is improving self-esteem requires a bit of work, as it involves developing and maintaining healthier emotional habits but doing so, and especially doing so correctly, will provide a great emotional and psychological return on your investment.

About the author

Guy Winch is a licensed psychologist who is a leading advocate for integrating the science of emotional health into our daily lives. His three TED Talks have been viewed over 20 million times, and his science-based self-help books have been translated into 26 languages. He also writes the Squeaky Wheel blog for PsychologyToday.com and has a private practice in New York City.

• mental health
• self-esteem

TED Talk of the Day

How to make radical climate action the new normal

6 ways to give that aren't about money

A smart way to handle anxiety -- courtesy of soccer great Lionel Messi

How do top athletes get into the zone? By getting uncomfortable

6 things people do around the world to slow down

Creating a contract -- yes, a contract! -- could help you get what you want from your relationship

Could your life story use an update? Here’s how to do it 

6 tips to help you be a better human now

How to have better conversations on social media (really!)

3 strategies for effective leadership, from a former astronaut

Why rejection hurts so much -- and what to do about it

We all know people who just can't apologize -- well, here's why

7 ways to practice emotional first aid

How to cultivate a sense of unconditional self-worth

Advertisement

Want to give your self-esteem a boost here's how, according to experts.

We live in a high-pressure world full of competition, social media comparison, and striving for perfection. The pressure's real—and let's be honest—it's messing with our heads. Amid all this noise, we need to protect our  sense of self with consistently healthy self-esteem. 

And it's about more than just feeling good about yourself; healthy self-esteem is a profound inner conviction about our worth, capabilities , and place in the world. It can boost our mental and emotional well-being, helping us make choices that align with our true selves, foster resilience against adversity, and move us forward personally and professionally.

To live a fulfilling life, nurturing your self-esteem is not just beneficial—it's essential.

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall sense of self-worth. It is an internal self-assessment of one's competence and desirability, and our emotions heavily influence this evaluation, which fluctuates with every shift in our external reality. As psychologist Ketan Parmar, M.D., MBBS , tells mindbodygreen, "[Self-esteem] is a subjective and emotional judgment that reflects how much one values, approves of, appreciates, prizes, or likes oneself."

Life experiences, childhood conditioning , culture, religion, and dominant thoughts shape self-esteem. As a measure of our innate worthiness, it can profoundly impact our mental health and well-being, the quality of our relationships, and the goals we pursue. 

"Self-esteem has been shown to be related to all the various aspects of life in adulthood. It has been connected to relationships, job success and satisfaction, and mental and physical health in general," explains licensed clinical psychologist Amy Robbins, Psy.D. , adding, "How you feel about yourself will determine much of your behavior, which then impacts the various other areas in your life."

What causes low self-esteem?

Self-esteem typically falls within three ranges: low, high, and healthy or optimal. Low self-esteem can result from internal perceptions and external influences. Constant negative feedback or a lack of praise from primary caregivers at an early age can also implant seeds of self-doubt.

Memories of childhood bullying, past traumas, and abuse can also affect self-esteem, according to clinical psychologist Harpreet K. Chattha, Ph.D. , who tells mindbodygreen that negative experiences can become ingrained in one's memories. "These replay when they are faced with challenges and act to discourage and limit one's potential," she says.

The pressure to perform, conform, and meet the ridiculous standards set by social media can intensify feelings of inadequacy as well. As licensed professional counselor Alissa Martinez, M.S., LPC, NCC , explains, "In today's society where social media influence is strong, so is comparing ourselves to others. These comparisons make us feel like we don't measure up, which can also lower self-esteem."

Discrimination, unemployment, body image issues, financial struggles, and dysfunctional relationships can further erode a person's self-esteem.

Impact of low self-esteem

One study 1 on self-esteem's role in mental and physical health found that high self-esteem promotes better overall health and positive social behaviors. Conversely, low self-esteem is linked to various mental disorders like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and issues like substance abuse and violence.

Low self-esteem also creates an echo chamber. Holding a negative self-perception leads to avoidance of challenges, insecure relationships, and missed opportunities, resulting in an unfulfilling life and a lack of positive validation. The cycle continues as the negative self-talk further damages an individual's self-image and through it, their choices and behavior.

Such low self-worth doesn't just impair your inner self , though—it can manifest as anxiety, depression, and a paralyzing fear of failure, making it hard for someone to advocate for themselves or break free from this vicious cycle.

"In simple terms, low self-esteem often makes people feel like they're not as valuable or capable as they truly are, and it can hold them back from truly living," says Martinez.

Signs of low self-esteem

Recognizing the following signs of low self-esteem in your behavior can be the first step toward healthier self-esteem and a more positive self-image:

• Avoiding new experiences or challenges
• Exhibiting heightened sensitivity to criticism
• Social withdrawal
• Engaging in constant negative self-talk 
• Frequently using self-deprecating humor
• Displaying an intense fear of rejection with a strong desire to be liked
• Settling for unsatisfactory or unhealthy relationships
• Inability to assert oneself or set boundaries
• Demonstrating a lack of faith in one's ideas and opinions
• Indulging in overly competitive behavior 
• Overcompensating by continuously boasting or bragging

How to build self-esteem

As one understands the importance of self-esteem, the focus should be on developing healthy (or optimal) self-esteem. As one 2019 article 2 published in Psychological Inquiry notes, while high self-esteem varies and manifests as arrogance and entitlement, often ignoring personal flaws to criticize others, optimal self-esteem remains steady and creates a more balanced self-view: 

Begin with self-acceptance and authenticity 

Self-acceptance is the cornerstone of self-esteem. It involves embracing both the positive and the negative aspects of oneself and includes the willingness, despite imperfections, to see yourself as worthy of love, respect, and consideration.

As we cultivate self-acceptance, we find comfort in our skin and view failures not as proof of a personal lack but as opportunities for growth. Despite the challenges along the way, we navigate life with a sense of purpose, autonomy, and a positive self-regard, treating ourselves with the same generosity we so freely offer others.

As licensed therapist Julia Baum, MSEd, LMHC , tells mindbodygreen, "I advocate for accepting yourself unconditionally […] It simply means that you've decided to recognize that you don't have to be perfect to be worthy. From this perspective, you can better find a healthy will to work on what you can improve and accept things outside of your control."

To that end, another study 3 in the Journal of Positive Psychology highlights the importance of authenticity in developing a secure form of self-esteem. Highly authentic individuals maintain their self-worth even under threat, while those with low authenticity may be confident in good times but quickly falter when their self-worth is challenged. Through self-acceptance and authenticity, one can foster and fortify healthy self-esteem.

Cultivate a growth mindset

A growth mindset allows individuals to believe skills and knowledge can grow through dedicated effort and commitment. When picking new goals, such individuals rely on something other than innate talent or the confidence boost derived from past accomplishments. Instead, they see new challenges as opportunities, past failures as learning experiences, and remain committed to continuous growth and learning.

"It's vital to take action and refuse to berate yourself when you make a mistake or falter in some way. The more you work at this, the easier it becomes," Baum says, adding, "You cannot feel self-confident without believing you can get up and keep going if you fall. Self-confidence isn't thinking you will succeed; it's knowing you'll be OK if you don't."

And this has actually been established in research, with one study 4 showing that students with a fixed intelligence mindset have lower levels of self-esteem. Thus, nurturing a growth mindset fuels personal development and fosters a healthier self-worth.

Challenge negative thoughts and beliefs 

Our thoughts and beliefs impact our emotions, and those, in turn, move us toward positive actions or, in the case of negative beliefs, keep us passive through life. If left unchecked, such negative thoughts can worsen our self-image and deepen feelings of inadequacy. 

Identify thoughts and beliefs that don't serve you. Then, challenge them; question their validity. Explore and reframe the story sustaining these beliefs to something positive and supportive. Further, they lose power when we don't find proof to support our (usually exaggerated) opinions.

And according to Chattha, your self-esteem needs constant nourishment—it's not a one-time fix. "It is an ongoing effort to improve your beliefs about yourself and staying aware of when your thoughts and actions are not serving you," she explains. 

Learn about the different cognitive traps like all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, catastrophizing, negativity bias, etc., and how they invite perspectives that hurt our sense of self. Once we recognize them, we can limit their impact and protect our self-esteem.

Surround yourself with supportive people

Creating a network of supportive, loving individuals can give us an environment that actively encourages positive emotions.

When we suffer from self-esteem issues, it can help to have friends and family members that remind us of how much we are loved and valued. A good, empathetic listener can help us let out our insecurities, and in doing so, examine them more objectively. 

Prioritize relationships that uplift you, and limit interactions with people who drain you or make you question your self-worth. Be selective with your time, energy, and emotions.

Volunteer work can be inspiring, especially with people recovering and rebuilding their lives.

Challenge yourself

Low self-esteem can make one cling to their comfort zone. Even if we don't always win, having positive experiences as we take on new challenges and explore unfamiliar territories can also highlight our inner strength. 

Choose achievable goals like practicing yoga for a month or mastering a new recipe. Due to their simplicity, the plans will be manageable, but accomplishing them will contribute positively to self-esteem. 

"Take small steps outside of your comfort zone, like trying new things or setting achievable goals. When you succeed at these small things, you'll slowly begin to feel a boost in your confidence," Martinez suggests. 

Likewise, acquiring more knowledge, cultivating a new talent, or learning a skill can create similar results. "When we feel competent, we also feel confident," Robbins notes.

Take care of your physical health and well-being

Physical, mental, and emotional health are all interconnected. Feeling good in one's body often leads to a positive mental state and vice versa. On the other hand, an exhausted body or mind tends to be emotionally more reactive and sensitive to negative experiences.

Prioritize quality sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid consuming junk. Exercise daily—our body image improves when we are in good shape or even just working toward fitness goals.

And when it comes to mental well-being, nothing beats meditation. It's a healthy respite from the unceasing noise of social scrutiny and judgment, and a 2019 study 5 examining the effects of meditation on self-esteem even found a direct positive relationship between time spent meditating and self-esteem.

Collect positive feedback & create a highlight reel

If we must compare our reality to the airbrushed perfection of someone else's life, let's first fortify our inner defenses by reminding ourselves of our accomplishments.

Create a highlight reel and a repository of positive feedback so the good in you is as accessible as all the negativity. Approach your loved ones, valued colleagues, collaborative partners, and trusted supervisors, and ask them to recall a time when they found you truly impressive. See yourself through their eyes and learn about the qualities that draw others to you.

Create a list of your internal strengths. Write about the struggles you've endured, the failures you've overcome, and the accolades you've earned. Use this piece of paper to bolster your self-esteem whenever it's under threat.

Gratitude journals can help here as well, by broadening your perspective and inviting a deeper appreciation for life's blessings. Pen affirmations that resonate with you, and recite them when self-doubt gets loud. 

Assert yourself

Self-assertion can boost your self-esteem and inspire respect in others. Set clear boundaries with others and yourself, stop people pleasing , and say no when necessary. If there's someone you admire for their strength, try to nurture similar qualities in yourself. 

As you take these steps and assert yourself, even buried under layers of self-doubt, you will find the respect you have for yourself . 

Build a loving relationship with yourself

Just as you build relationships with others, develop a relationship with yourself. When a loved one dismisses themselves, we rise in their defense and advocate for them, even if it means standing against their very own ideas and beliefs. When we sincerely care for someone, we cherish their well-being and value their best qualities. Create a similar bond with yourself.

Begin with understanding yourself better. Notice the aspects of your personality and character that bring you joy. Celebrate your wins. Compliment yourself daily. Stay in conversation with yourself. Talk yourself to a healthy place when the negative self-talk begins. When someone crosses a line, advocate for yourself and set firm boundaries. Most importantly, treat yourself with the same respect and compassion you'd offer a dear friend.

Much like the comfort we derive from the presence of a loved one, once you have a healthy relationship with yourself, you will start experiencing a sense of self-assurance and contentment in your identity. By becoming your own ally, you ensure a continual source of support, strengthening your self-esteem.

Calm your ego & pick growth-oriented goals

According to a study 6 in the Psychological Bulletin , the level of someone's self-esteem is not as critical as the manner in which it is pursued. When establishing one's self-worth, we always pick goals for external validation. However, when we prioritize praise and admiration, growth and learning get sidelined because self-worth that relies on validation leads to fragile self-esteem.

Choose goals that transform your inner environment and promote self-discovery and growth. Goals rooted in self-improvement shift attention from external perceptions, to personal evolution, creating self-worth anchored in genuine change—not mere appearances. They also generate a sense of purpose that goes beyond social applause. They remind us that we are defined not by our mistakes but by our capacity to learn and adapt. 

When ego is not so dominant, self-acceptance becomes easier. Integrating spirituality can further help by instilling humility within us; we're reminded of how inconsequential we are in the grand scheme of things. It emphasizes the unity of all beings and gently persuades us not to indulge in self-aggrandizement but instead turn our attention toward the ascension of our soul.

If we can adopt a lifestyle that precludes social comparison and competitiveness completely, it will be easier to maintain healthy self-esteem.

Seek professional help

Therapy with a qualified expert can help reach the root cause of our insecurities and low self-esteem, and attending focused workshops can accelerate our learning and give us a supportive community, as well.

Art therapy is another helpful tool for self-esteem, as a powerful avenue of emotional expression that doesn't require verbal communication—plus you get the gratification of creating something beautiful.

When to seek help

If you're struggling with your self-esteem, according to Parmar, you should seek help when it interferes with daily functioning or causes significant distress.

"Low self-esteem can be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition that requires professional treatment," he says, noting that some signs that indicate the need for help include persistent negative thoughts or feelings about oneself; experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts; difficulty coping with stress or trauma; isolating oneself; problems with eating, sleeping, or concentrating; and/or frequent conflicts or arguments with others.

And while most people will seek help only when low self-esteem significantly impacts their lives, Baum advises not to wait. "There's no minimum level of distress needed to seek help. If your self-esteem interferes with being the best version of yourself or living fully, seeking help is perfectly valid," she explains.

How do you build self-esteem and self-confidence?

Building self-esteem and self-confidence begins with recognizing your positive qualities, challenging negative beliefs, and reframing them to something more supportive. Set achievable goals, and with each new accomplishment, celebrate your efforts. Do activities that nurture competence, create a sense of well-being, and foster positive relationships. Seek constructive feedback and focus on learning and self-correction when faced with criticism.

What causes poor self-esteem?

Low self-esteem can be caused by adverse childhood experiences, bullying, discrimination, abuse, poor finances, constant criticism, failures and rejection, traumatic events, social comparison, and more.

How can I improve my self-image?

To improve your self-image, be as aware of your strengths as you are of your imperfections. Practice positive self-talk, set realistic goals, celebrate accomplishments, and be learning-focused in the event of failure. Surround yourself with supportive individuals, advocate for yourself, don't compare yourself to others, and make healthy choices. Engage in activities that add to your resilience and foster a sense of competence. 

How do you overcome lack of confidence?

To overcome a lack of confidence, challenge stories that create self-doubt. Make sure that whatever caused failures in the past is no longer getting in the way of your progress. Once the gap has been bridged, remind yourself of the growth you've experienced. Pick realistic goals, and as you achieve them, create a positive narrative highlighting your personal qualities. Seek positive environments and supportive people.

The takeaway

Over time, low self-esteem can get embedded into our self-perception and inner dialogue. As it shifts our self-image, we may gravitate toward choices, relationships, and opportunities that are less than what we deserve while simultaneously declining potentially life-altering invites out of fear and self-doubt. 

We must show ourselves the basic respect of not indulging in self-deprecation and denigration. If your past is empty of experiences that affirm your worth , only you can create a different future—and it begins with you becoming your own advocate and creating a compassionate and constructive inner world.

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15199011/
• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/S15327965PLI1401_01
• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17439760.2014.910830
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9165622/
• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10509674.2019.1697784
• https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037/0033-2909.130.3.392

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 limbs of yoga - what is asana.

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How plants can optimize athletic performance.

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

How ayurveda helps us navigate modern life.

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

More on this topic.

Reviewers Are Buying Two Of This Vibrator (So They're Never Without One)

Carleigh Ferrante

How Do You Want To Parent Your Kids? A Psychotherapist's 5 Tips To Identifying Parenting Philosophies

Lia Avellino, LCSW

Is Your Kid Dealing With "Big Feelings"? This Science-Backed Protocol Might Help

Kimberly Snyder

Women Are Calling This Tiny Vibrator A Game-Changer For Their Sex Lives (& It's Oh-So-Quiet)

I Walked 15,000 Steps In These 90s-Style Sneakers (& Didn’t Feel An Ounce Of Soreness)

Save 20% On My Favorite Tool For Deeper Sleep & Rested Mornings

Popular Stories

• Search Menu
• Sign in through your institution
• Advance Articles
• Editor's Choice
• Author Guidelines
• Submission Site
• Open Access
• About Health Education Research
• Editorial Board
• Advertising and Corporate Services
• Journals Career Network
• Self-Archiving Policy
• Dispatch Dates
• Journals on Oxford Academic
• Books on Oxford Academic

Article Contents

Introduction, identity development and the sources of negative self-esteem, outcomes of poor self-esteem, mechanisms linking self-esteem and health behavior, examples of school health promotion programs that foster self-esteem, self-esteem in a broad-spectrum approach for mental health promotion.

• Article contents
• Figures & tables
• Supplementary Data

Michal (Michelle) Mann, Clemens M. H. Hosman, Herman P. Schaalma, Nanne K. de Vries, Self-esteem in a broad-spectrum approach for mental health promotion, Health Education Research , Volume 19, Issue 4, August 2004, Pages 357–372, https://doi.org/10.1093/her/cyg041

• Permissions Icon Permissions

Self-evaluation is crucial to mental and social well-being. It influences aspirations, personal goals and interaction with others. This paper stresses the importance of self-esteem as a protective factor and a non-specific risk factor in physical and mental health. Evidence is presented illustrating that self-esteem can lead to better health and social behavior, and that poor self-esteem is associated with a broad range of mental disorders and social problems, both internalizing problems (e.g. depression, suicidal tendencies, eating disorders and anxiety) and externalizing problems (e.g. violence and substance abuse). We discuss the dynamics of self-esteem in these relations. It is argued that an understanding of the development of self-esteem, its outcomes, and its active protection and promotion are critical to the improvement of both mental and physical health. The consequences for theory development, program development and health education research are addressed. Focusing on self-esteem is considered a core element of mental health promotion and a fruitful basis for a broad-spectrum approach.

The most basic task for one's mental, emotional and social health, which begins in infancy and continues until one dies, is the construction of his/her positive self-esteem. [( Macdonald, 1994 ), p. 19]

Self-concept is defined as the sum of an individual's beliefs and knowledge about his/her personal attributes and qualities. It is classed as a cognitive schema that organizes abstract and concrete views about the self, and controls the processing of self-relevant information ( Markus, 1977 ; Kihlstrom and Cantor, 1983 ). Other concepts, such as self-image and self-perception, are equivalents to self-concept. Self-esteem is the evaluative and affective dimension of the self-concept, and is considered as equivalent to self-regard, self-estimation and self-worth ( Harter, 1999 ). It refers to a person's global appraisal of his/her positive or negative value, based on the scores a person gives him/herself in different roles and domains of life ( Rogers, 1981 ; Markus and Nurius, 1986 ). Positive self-esteem is not only seen as a basic feature of mental health, but also as a protective factor that contributes to better health and positive social behavior through its role as a buffer against the impact of negative influences. It is seen to actively promote healthy functioning as reflected in life aspects such as achievements, success, satisfaction, and the ability to cope with diseases like cancer and heart disease. Conversely, an unstable self-concept and poor self-esteem can play a critical role in the development of an array of mental disorders and social problems, such as depression, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, anxiety, violence, substance abuse and high-risk behaviors. These conditions not only result in a high degree of personal suffering, but also impose a considerable burden on society. As will be shown, prospective studies have highlighted low self-esteem as a risk factor and positive self-esteem as a protective factor. To summarize, self-esteem is considered as an influential factor both in physical and mental health, and therefore should be an important focus in health promotion; in particular, mental health promotion.

Health promotion refers to the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their own health ( WHO, 1986 ). Subjective control as well as subjective health, each aspects of the self, are considered as significant elements of the health concept. Recognizing the existence of different views on the concept of mental health promotion, Sartorius (Sartorius, 1998), the former WHO Director of Mental Health, preferred to define it as a means by which individuals, groups or large populations can enhance their competence, self-esteem and sense of well-being. This view is supported by Tudor (Tudor, 1996) in his monograph on mental health promotion, where he presents self-concept and self-esteem as two of the core elements of mental health, and therefore as an important focus of mental health promotion.

This article aims to clarify how self-esteem is related to physical and mental health, both empirically and theoretically, and to offer arguments for enhancing self-esteem and self-concept as a major aspect of health promotion, mental health promotion and a ‘Broad-Spectrum Approach’ (BSA) in prevention.

The first section presents a review of the empirical evidence on the consequences of high and low self-esteem in the domains of mental health, health and social outcomes. The section also addresses the bi-directional nature of the relationship between self-esteem and mental health. The second section discusses the role of self-esteem in health promotion from a theoretical perspective. How are differentiations within the self-concept related to self-esteem and mental health? How does self-esteem relate to the currently prevailing theories in the field of health promotion and prevention? What are the mechanisms that link self-esteem to health and social outcomes? Several theories used in health promotion or prevention offer insight into such mechanisms. We discuss the role of positive self-esteem as a protective factor in the context of stressors, the developmental role of negative self-esteem in mental and social problems, and the role of self-esteem in models of health behavior. Finally, implications for designing a health-promotion strategy that could generate broad-spectrum outcomes through addressing common risk factors such as self-esteem are discussed. In this context, schools are considered an ideal setting for such broad-spectrum interventions. Some examples are offered of school programs that have successfully contributed to the enhancement of self-esteem, and the prevention of mental and social problems.

Self-esteem and mental well-being

Empirical studies over the last 15 years indicate that self-esteem is an important psychological factor contributing to health and quality of life ( Evans, 1997 ). Recently, several studies have shown that subjective well-being significantly correlates with high self-esteem, and that self-esteem shares significant variance in both mental well-being and happiness ( Zimmerman, 2000 ). Self-esteem has been found to be the most dominant and powerful predictor of happiness ( Furnham and Cheng, 2000 ). Indeed, while low self-esteem leads to maladjustment, positive self-esteem, internal standards and aspirations actively seem to contribute to ‘well-being’ ( Garmezy, 1984 ; Glick and Zigler, 1992 ). According to Tudor (Tudor, 1996), self-concept, identity and self-esteem are among the key elements of mental health.

Self-esteem, academic achievements and job satisfaction

The relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement is reported in a large number of studies ( Marsh and Yeung, 1997 ; Filozof et al. , 1998 ; Hay et al. , 1998 ). In the critical childhood years, positive feelings of self-esteem have been shown to increase children's confidence and success at school ( Coopersmith, 1967 ), with positive self-esteem being a predicting factor for academic success, e.g. reading ability ( Markus and Nurius, 1986 ). Results of a longitudinal study among elementary school children indicate that children with high self-esteem have higher cognitive aptitudes ( Adams, 1996 ). Furthermore, research has revealed that core self-evaluations measured in childhood and in early adulthood are linked to job satisfaction in middle age ( Judge et al. , 2000 ).

Self-esteem and coping with stress in combination with coping with physical disease

The protective nature of self-esteem is particularly evident in studies examining stress and/or physical disease in which self-esteem is shown to safeguard the individual from fear and uncertainty. This is reflected in observations of chronically ill individuals. It has been found that a greater feeling of mastery, efficacy and high self-esteem, in combination with having a partner and many close relationships, all have direct protective effects on the development of depressive symptoms in the chronically ill ( Penninx et al. , 1998 ). Self-esteem has also been shown to enhance an individual's ability to cope with disease and post-operative survival. Research on pre-transplant psychological variables and survival after bone marrow transplantation ( Broers et al. , 1998 ) indicates that high self-esteem prior to surgery is related to longer survival. Chang and Mackenzie ( Chang and Mackenzie, 1998 ) found that the level of self-esteem was a consistent factor in the prediction of the functional outcome of a patient after a stroke.

To conclude, positive self-esteem is associated with mental well-being, adjustment, happiness, success and satisfaction. It is also associated with recovery after severe diseases.

The evolving nature of self-esteem was conceptualized by Erikson ( Erikson, 1968 ) in his theory on the stages of psychosocial development in children, adolescents and adults. According to Erikson, individuals are occupied with their self-esteem and self-concept as long as the process of crystallization of identity continues. If this process is not negotiated successfully, the individual remains confused, not knowing who (s)he really is. Identity problems, such as unclear identity, diffused identity and foreclosure (an identity status based on whether or not adolescents made firm commitments in life. Persons classified as ‘foreclosed’ have made future commitments without ever experiencing the ‘crises’ of deciding what really suits them best), together with low self-esteem, can be the cause and the core of many mental and social problems ( Marcia et al. , 1993 ).

The development of self-esteem during childhood and adolescence depends on a wide variety of intra-individual and social factors. Approval and support, especially from parents and peers, and self-perceived competence in domains of importance are the main determinants of self-esteem [for a review, see ( Harter, 1999 )]. Attachment and unconditional parental support are critical during the phases of self-development. This is a reciprocal process, as individuals with positive self-esteem can better internalize the positive view of significant others. For instance, in their prospective study among young adolescents, Garber and Flynn ( Garber and Flynn, 2001 ) found that negative self-worth develops as an outcome of low maternal acceptance, a maternal history of depression and exposure to negative interpersonal contexts, such as negative parenting practices, early history of child maltreatment, negative feedback from significant others on one's competence, and family discord and disruption.

Other sources of negative self-esteem are discrepancies between competing aspects of the self, such as between the ideal and the real self, especially in domains of importance. The larger the discrepancy between the value a child assigns to a certain competence area and the perceived self-competence in that area, the lower the feeling of self-esteem ( Harter, 1999 ). Furthermore, discrepancies can exist between the self as seen by oneself and the self as seen by significant others. As implied by Harter ( Harter, 1999 ), this could refer to contrasts that might exist between self-perceived competencies and the lack of approval or support by parents or peers.

Finally, negative and positive feelings of self-worth could be the result of a cognitive, inferential process, in which children observe and evaluate their own behaviors and competencies in specific domains (self-efficacy). The poorer they evaluate their competencies, especially in comparison to those of their peers or to the standards of significant others, the more negative their self-esteem. Such self-monitoring processes can be negatively or positively biased by a learned tendency to negative or positive thinking ( Seligman et al. , 1995 ).

The outcomes of negative self-esteem can be manifold. Poor self-esteem can result in a cascade of diminishing self-appreciation, creating self-defeating attitudes, psychiatric vulnerability, social problems or risk behaviors. The empirical literature highlights the negative outcomes of low self-esteem. However, in several studies there is a lack of clarity regarding causal relations between self-esteem and problems or disorders ( Flay and Ordway, 2001 ). This is an important observation, as there is reason to believe that self-esteem should be examined not only as a cause, but also as a consequence of problem behavior. For example, on the one hand, children could have a negative view about themselves and that might lead to depressive feelings. On the other hand, depression or lack of efficient functioning could lead to feeling bad, which might decrease self-esteem. Although the directionality can work both ways, this article concentrates on the evidence for self-esteem as a potential risk factor for mental and social outcomes. Three clusters of outcomes can be differentiated. The first are mental disorders with internalizing characteristics, such as depression, eating disorders and anxiety. The second are poor social outcomes with externalizing characteristics including aggressive behavior, violence and educational exclusion. The third is risky health behavior such as drug abuse and not using condoms.

Self-esteem and internalizing mental disorders

Self-esteem plays a significant role in the development of a variety of mental disorders. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), negative or unstable self-perceptions are a key component in the diagnostic criteria of major depressive disorders, manic and hypomanic episodes, dysthymic disorders, dissociative disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and in personality disorders, such as borderline, narcissistic and avoidant behavior. Negative self-esteem is also found to be a risk factor, leading to maladjustment and even escapism. Lacking trust in themselves, individuals become unable to handle daily problems which, in turn, reduces the ability to achieve maximum potential. This could lead to an alarming deterioration in physical and mental well-being. A decline in mental health could result in internalizing problem behavior such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders. The outcomes of low self-esteem for these disorders are elaborated below.

Depressed moods, depression and suicidal tendencies

The clinical literature suggests that low self-esteem is related to depressed moods ( Patterson and Capaldi, 1992 ), depressive disorders ( Rice et al. , 1998 ; Dori and Overholser, 1999 ), hopelessness, suicidal tendencies and attempted suicide ( Overholser et al. , 1995 ). Correlational studies have consistently shown a significant negative relationship between self-esteem and depression ( Beck et al. , 1990 ; Patton, 1991 ). Campbell et al. ( Campbell et al. , 1991 ) found individual appraisal of events to be clearly related to their self-esteem. Low self-esteem subjects rated their daily events as less positive and negative life events as being more personally important than high self-esteem subjects. Individuals with high self-esteem made more stable and global internal attributions for positive events than for negative events, leading to the reinforcement of their positive self-image. Subjects low in self-esteem, however, were more likely to associate negative events to stable and global internal attributions, and positive events to external factors and luck ( Campbell et al. , 1991 ). There is a growing body of evidence that individuals with low self-esteem more often report a depressed state, and that there is a link between dimensions of attributional style, self-esteem and depression ( Abramson et al. , 1989 ; Hammen and Goodman-Brown, 1990 ).

Some indications of the causal role of self-esteem result from prospective studies. In longitudinal studies, low self-esteem during childhood ( Reinherz et al. , 1993 ), adolescence ( Teri, 1982 ) and early adulthood ( Wilhelm et al. , 1999 ) was identified as a crucial predictor of depression later in life. Shin ( Shin, 1993 ) found that when cumulative stress, social support and self-esteem were introduced subsequently in regression analysis, of the latter two, only self-esteem accounted for significant additional variance in depression. In addition, Brown et al. ( Brown et al. , 1990 ) showed that positive self-esteem, although closely associated with inadequate social support, plays a role as a buffer factor. There appears to be a pathway from not living up to personal standards, to low self-esteem and to being depressed ( Harter, 1986 , 1990 ; Higgins, 1987 , 1989 ; Baumeister, 1990 ). Alternatively, another study indicated that when examining the role of life events and difficulties, it was found that total level of stress interacted with low self-esteem in predicting depression, whereas self-esteem alone made no direct contribution ( Miller et al. , 1989 ). To conclude, results of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have shown that low self-esteem is predictive of depression.

The potentially detrimental impact of low self-esteem in depressive disorders stresses the significance of Seligman's recent work on ‘positive psychology’. His research indicates that teaching children to challenge their pessimistic thoughts whilst increasing positive subjective thinking (and bolstering self-esteem) can reduce the risk of pathologies such as depression ( Seligman, 1995 ; Seligman et al. , 1995 ; Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, 2000 ).

Other internalizing disorders

Although low self-esteem is most frequently associated with depression, a relationship has also been found with other internalizing disorders, such as anxiety and eating disorders. Research results indicate that self-esteem is inversely correlated with anxiety and other signs of psychological and physical distress ( Beck et al. , 2001 ). For example, Ginsburg et al. ( Ginsburg et al. , 1998 ) observed a low level of self-esteem in highly socially anxious children. Self-esteem was shown to serve the fundamental psychological function of buffering anxiety, with the pursuit of self-esteem as a defensive avoidance tool against basic human fears. This mechanism of defense has become evident in research with primary ( Ginsburg et al. , 1998 ) and secondary school children ( Fickova, 1999 ). In addition, empirical studies have shown that bolstering self-esteem in adults reduces anxiety ( Solomon et al. , 2000 ).

The critical role of self-esteem during school years is clearly reflected in studies on eating disorders. At this stage in life, weight, body shape and dieting behavior become intertwined with identity. Researchers have reported low self-esteem as a risk factor in the development of eating disorders in female school children and adolescents ( Fisher et al. , 1994 ; Smolak et al. , 1996 ; Shisslak et al. , 1998 ), as did prospective studies ( Vohs et al. , 2001 ). Low self-esteem also seems predictive of the poor outcome of treatment in such disorders, as has been found in a recent 4-year prospective follow-up study among adolescent in-patients with bulimic characteristics ( van der Ham et al. , 1998 ). The significant influence of self-esteem on body image has led to programs in which the promotion of self-esteem is used as a main preventive tool in eating disorders ( St Jeor, 1993 ; Vickers, 1993 ; Scarano et al. , 1994 ).

To sum up, there is a systematic relation between self-esteem and internalizing problem behavior. Moreover, there is enough prospective evidence to suggest that poor self-esteem might contribute to deterioration of internalizing problem behavior while improvement of self-esteem could prevent such deterioration.

Self-esteem, externalizing problems and other poor social outcomes

For more than two decades, scientists have studied the relationship between self-esteem and externalizing problem behaviors, such as aggression, violence, youth delinquency and dropping out of school. The outcomes of self-esteem for these disorders are described below.

Violence and aggressive behavior

While the causes of such behaviors are multiple and complex, many researchers have identified self-esteem as a critical factor in crime prevention, rehabilitation and behavioral change ( Kressly, 1994 ; Gilbert, 1995 ). In a recent longitudinal questionnaire study among high-school adolescents, low self-esteem was one of the key risk factors for problem behavior ( Jessor et al. , 1998 ).

Recent studies confirm that high self-esteem is significantly associated with less violence ( Fleming et al. , 1999 ; Horowitz, 1999 ), while a lack of self-esteem significantly increases the risk of violence and gang membership ( Schoen, 1999 ). Results of a nationwide study of bullying behavior in Ireland show that children who were involved in bullying as either bullies, victims or both had significantly lower self-esteem than other children ( Schoen, 1999 ). Adolescents with low self-esteem were found to be more vulnerable to delinquent behavior. Interestingly, delinquency was positively associated with inflated self-esteem among these adolescents after performing delinquent behavior ( Schoen, 1999 ). According to Kaplan's self-derogation theory of delinquency (Kaplan, 1975), involvement in delinquent behavior with delinquent peers can increase children's self-esteem and sense of belonging. It was also found that individuals with extremely high levels of self-esteem and narcissism show high tendencies to express anger and aggression ( Baumeister et al. , 2000 ). To conclude, positive self-esteem is associated with less aggressive behavior. Although most studies in the field of aggressive behavior, violence and delinquency are correlational, there is some prospective evidence that low self-esteem is a risk factor in the development of problem behavior. Interestingly, low self-esteem as well as high and inflated self-esteem are both associated with the development of aggressive symptoms.

School dropout

Dropping out from the educational system could also reflect rebellion or antisocial behavior resulting from identity diffusion (an identity status based on whether or not adolescents made firm commitments in life. Adolescents classified as ‘diffuse’ have not yet thought about identity issues or, having thought about them, have failed to make any firm future oriented commitments). For instance, Muha ( Muha, 1991 ) has shown that while self-image and self-esteem contribute to competent functioning in childhood and adolescence, low self-esteem can lead to problems in social functioning and school dropout. The social consequences of such problem behaviors may be considerable for both the individual and the wider community. Several prevention programs have reduced the dropout rate of students at risk ( Alice, 1993 ; Andrews, 1999 ). All these programs emphasize self-esteem as a crucial element in dropout prevention.

Self-esteem and risk behavior

The impact of self-esteem is also evident in risk behavior and physical health. In a longitudinal study, Rouse ( Rouse, 1998 ) observed that resilient adolescents had higher self-esteem than their non-resilient peers and that they were less likely to initiate a variety of risk behaviors. Positive self-esteem is considered as a protective factor against substance abuse. Adolescents with more positive self-concepts are less likely to use alcohol or drugs ( Carvajal et al. , 1998 ), while those suffering with low self-esteem are at a higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse, and tobacco use ( Crump et al. , 1997 ; Jones and Heaven, 1998 ). Carvajal et al. ( Carvajal et al. , 1998 ) showed that optimism, hope and positive self-esteem are determinants of avoiding substance abuse by adolescents, mediated by attitudes, perceived norms and perceived behavioral control. Although many studies support the finding that improving self-esteem is an important component of substance abuse prevention ( Devlin, 1995 ; Rodney et al. , 1996 ), some studies found no support for the association between self-esteem and heavy alcohol use ( Poikolainen et al. , 2001 ).

Empirical evidence suggests that positive self-esteem can also lead to behavior which is protective against contracting AIDS, while low self-esteem contributes to vulnerability to HIV/AIDS ( Rolf and Johnson, 1992 ; Somali et al. , 2001 ). The risk level increases in cases where subjects have low self-esteem and where their behavior reflects efforts to be accepted by others or to gain attention, either positively or negatively ( Reston, 1991 ). Lower self-esteem was also related to sexual risk-taking and needle sharing among homeless ethnic-minority women recovering from drug addiction ( Nyamathi, 1991 ). Abel ( Abel, 1998 ) observed that single females whose partners did not use condoms had lower self-esteem than single females whose partners did use condoms. In a study of gay and/or bisexual men, low self-esteem proved to be one of the factors that made it difficult to reduce sexual risk behavior ( Paul et al. , 1993 ).

To summarize, the literature reveals a number of studies showing beneficial outcomes of positive self-esteem, and conversely, negative outcomes of poor self-esteem, especially in adolescents. Prospective studies and intervention studies have shown that self-esteem can be a causal factor in depression, anxiety, eating disorders, delinquency, school dropout, risk behavior, social functioning, academic success and satisfaction. However, the cross-sectional character of many other studies does not exclude that low self-esteem can also be considered as an important consequence of such disorders and behavioral problems.

To assess the implications of these findings for mental health promotion and preventive interventions, more insight is needed into the antecedents of poor self-esteem, and the mechanisms that link self-esteem to mental, physical and social outcomes.

What are the mechanisms that link self-esteem to health and social outcomes? Several theories used in health promotion or prevention offer insight into such mechanisms. In this section we discuss the role of positive self-esteem as a protective factor in the context of stressors, the developmental role of negative self-esteem in mental and social problems, and the role of self-esteem in models of health behavior.

Positive thinking about oneself as a protective factor in the context of stressors

People have a need to think positively about themselves, to defend and to improve their positive self-esteem, and even to overestimate themselves. Self-esteem represents a motivational force that influences perceptions and coping behavior. In the context of negative messages and stressors, positive self-esteem can have various protective functions.

Research on optimism confirms that a somewhat exaggerated sense of self-worth facilitates mastery, leading to better mental health ( Seligman, 1995 ). Evidence suggests that positive self-evaluations, exaggerated perception of control or mastery and unrealistic optimism are all characteristic of normal human thought, and that certain delusions may contribute to mental health and well-being ( Taylor and Brown, 1988 ). The mentally healthy person appears to have the capacity to distort reality in a direction that protects and enhances self-esteem. Conversely, individuals who are moderately depressed or low in self-esteem consistently display an absence of such enhancing delusions. Self-esteem could thus be said to serve as a defense mechanism that promotes well-being by protecting internal balance. Jahoda ( Jahoda, 1958 ) also included the ‘adequate perception of reality’ as a basic element of mental health. The degree of such a defense, however, has its limitations. The beneficial effect witnessed in reasonably well-balanced individuals becomes invalid in cases of extreme self-esteem and significant distortions of the self-concept. Seligman ( Seligman, 1995 ) claimed that optimism should not be based on unrealistic or heavily biased perceptions.

Viewing yourself positively can also be regarded as a very important psychological resource for coping. We include in this category those general and specific beliefs that serve as a basis for hope and that sustain coping efforts in the face of the most adverse condition… Hope can exist only when such beliefs make a positive outcome seem possible, if not probable. [( Lazarus and Folkman, 1984 ), p. 159]

Incidence = organic causes and stressors/competence, coping skills, self-esteem and social support

Identity, self-esteem, and the development of externalizing and internalizing problems

Erikson's ( Erikson, 1965 , 1968 ) theory on the stages of psychosocial development in children, adolescents, and adults and Herbert's flow chart ( Herbert, 1987 ) focus on the vicissitudes of identity and the development of unhealthy mental and social problems. According to these theories, when a person is enduringly confused about his/her own identity, he/she may possess an inherent lack of self-reassurance which results in either a low level of self-esteem or in unstable self-esteem and feelings of insecurity. However, low self-esteem—likewise inflated self-esteem—can also lead to identity problems. Under circumstances of insecurity and low self-esteem, the individual evolves in one of two ways: he/she takes the active escape route or the passive avoidance route ( Herbert, 1987 ). The escape route is associated with externalizing behaviors: aggressive behavior, violence and school dropout, the seeking of reassurance in others through high-risk behavior, premature relationships, cults or gangs. Reassurance and security may also be sought through drugs, alcohol or food. The passive avoidance route is associated with internalizing factors: feelings of despair and depression. Extreme avoidance may even result in suicidal behavior.

Whether identity and self-esteem problems express themselves following the externalizing active escape route or the internalizing passive avoidance route is dependent on personality characteristics and circumstances, life events and social antecedents (e.g. gender and parental support) ( Hebert, 1987 ). Recent studies consistently show gender differences regarding externalizing and internalizing behaviors among others in a context of low self-esteem ( Block and Gjerde, 1986 ; Rolf et al. , 1990 ; Harter, 1999 ; Benjet and Hernandez-Guzman, 2001 ). Girls are more likely to have internalizing symptoms than boys; boys are more likely to have externalizing symptoms. Moreover, according to Harter ( Harter, 1999 ), in recent studies girls appear to be better than boys in positive self-evaluation in the domain of behavioral conduct. Self-perceived behavioral conduct is assessed as the individual view on how well behaved he/she is and how he/she views his/her behavior in accordance with social expectations ( Harter, 1999 ). Negative self-perceived behavioral conduct is also found to be an important factor in mediating externalizing problems ( Reda-Norton, 1995 ; Hoffman, 1999 ).

The internalization of parental approval or disapproval is critical during childhood and adolescence. Studies have identified parents' and peers' supportive reactions (e.g. involvement, positive reinforcement, and acceptance) as crucial determinants of children's self-esteem and adjustment ( Shadmon, 1998 ). In contrast to secure, harmonious parent–child relationships, poor family relationships are associated with internalizing problems and depression ( Kashubeck and Christensen, 1993 ; Oliver and Paull, 1995 ).

Self-esteem in health behavior models

Self-esteem also plays a role in current cognitive models of health behavior. Health education research based on the Theory of Planned Behavior ( Ajzen, 1991 ) has confirmed the role of self-efficacy as a behavioral determinant ( Godin and Kok, 1996 ). Self-efficacy refers to the subjective evaluation of control over a specific behavior. While self-concepts and their evaluations could be related to specific behavioral domains, self-esteem is usually defined as a more generic attitude towards the self. One can have high self-efficacy for a specific task or behavior, while one has a negative evaluation of self-worth and vice versa. Nevertheless, both concepts are frequently intertwined since people often try to develop self-efficacy in activities that give them self-worth ( Strecher et al. , 1986 ). Self-efficacy and self-esteem are therefore not identical, but nevertheless related. The development of self-efficacy in behavioral domains of importance can contribute to positive self-esteem. On the other hand, the levels of self-esteem and self-confidence can influence self-efficacy, as is assumed in stress and coping theories.

The Attitude–Social influence–self-Efficacy (ASE) model ( De Vries and Mudde, 1998 ; De Vries et al. , 1988a ) and the Theory of Triadic Influence (TTI) ( Flay and Petraitis, 1994 ) are recent theories that provide a broad perspective on health behavior. These theories include distal factors that influence proximal behavioral determinants ( De Vries et al. , 1998b ) and specify more distal streams of influence for each of the three core determinants in the Planned Behavior Model ( Azjen, 1991 ) (attitudes, self-efficacy and social normative beliefs). Each of these behavioral determinants is assumed to be moderated by several distal factors, including self-esteem and mental disorders.

The TTI regards self-esteem in the same sense as the ASE, as a distal factor. According to this theory, self-efficacy is influenced by personality characteristics, especially the ‘sense of self’, which includes self-integration, self-image and self-esteem ( Flay and Petraitis, 1994 ).

The Precede–Proceed model of Green and Kreuter (Green and Kreuter, 1991) for the planning of health education and health promotion also recognizes the role of self-esteem. The model directs health educators to specify characteristics of health problems, and to take multiple determinants of health and health-related behavior into account. It integrates an epidemiological, behavioral and environmental approach. The staged Precede–Proceed framework supports health educators in identifying and influencing the multiple factors that shape health status, and evaluating the changes produced by interventions. Self-esteem plays a role in the first and fourth phase of the Precede–Proceed model, as an outcome variable and as a determinant. The initial phase of social diagnosis, analyses the quality of life of the target population. Green and Kreuter [(Green and Kreuter, 1991), p. 27] present self-esteem as one of the outcomes of health behavior and health status, and as a quality of life indicator. The fourth phase of the model, which concerns the educational and organizational diagnosis, describes three clusters of behavioral determinants: predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors. Predisposing factors provide the rationale or motivation for behavior, such as knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, values, and perceived needs and abilities [(Green and Kreuter, 1991), p. 154]. Self-knowledge, general self-appraisal and self-efficacy are considered as predisposing factors.

To summarize, self-esteem can function both as a determinant and as an outcome of healthy behavior within health behavior models. Poor self-esteem can trigger poor coping behavior or risk behavior that subsequently increases the likelihood of certain diseases among which are mental disorders. On the other hand, the presence of poor coping behavior and ill-health can generate or reinforce a negative self-image.

Self-esteem in a BSA to mental health promotion and prevention in schools

Given the evidence supporting the role of self-esteem as a core element in physical and mental health, it is recommended that its potential in future health promotion and prevention programs be reconsidered.

The design of future policies for mental health promotion and the prevention of mental disorders is currently an area of active debate ( Hosman, 2000 ). A key question in the discussion is which is more effective: a preventive approach focusing on specific disorders or a more generic preventive approach?

Based on the evidence supporting the role of self-esteem as a non-specific risk factor and protective factor in the development of mental disorders and social problems, we advocate a generic preventive approach built around the ‘self’. In general, changing common risk and protective factors (e.g. self-esteem, coping skills, social support) and adopting a generic preventive approach can reduce the risk of the development of a range of mental disorders and promote individual well-being even before the onset of a specific problem has presented itself. Given its multi-outcome perspective, we have termed this strategy the ‘BSA’ in prevention and promotion.

Self-esteem is considered one of the important elements of the BSA. By fostering self-esteem, and hence treating a common risk factor, it is possible to contribute to the prevention of an array of physical diseases, mental disorders and social problems challenging society today. This may also, at a later date, imply the prevention of a shift to other problem behaviors or symptoms which might occur when only problem-specific risk factors are addressed. For example, an eating disorder could be replaced by another type of symptom, such as alcohol abuse, smoking, social anxiety or depression, when only the eating behavior itself is addressed and not more basic causes, such as poor self-esteem, high stress levels and lack of social support. Although there is, as yet, no published research on such a shift phenomenon, the high level of co-morbidity between such problems might reflect the likelihood of its existence. Numerous studies support the idea of co-morbidity and showed that many mental disorders have overlapping associated risk factors such as self-esteem. There is a significant degree of co-morbidity between and within internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors such as depression, anxiety, substance disorders and delinquency ( Harrington et al. , 1996 ; Angold et al. , 1999 ; Swendsen and Merikangas, 2000 ). By considering the individual as a whole, within the BSA, the risk of such an eventuality could be reduced.

The BSA could have practical implications. Schools are an ideal setting for implementing BSA programs, thereby aiming at preventing an array of problems, since they cover the entire population. They have the means and responsibility for the promotion of healthy behavior for such a common risk and protective factor, since school children are in their formative stage. A mental health promotion curriculum oriented towards emotional and social learning could include a focus on enhancing self-esteem. Weare ( Weare, 2000 ) stressed that schools need to aim at helping children develop a healthy sense of self-esteem as part of the development of their ‘intra-personal intelligence’. According to Gardner (Gardner, 1993) ‘intra-personal intelligence’ is the ability to form an accurate model of oneself and the ability to use it to operate effectively in life. Self-esteem, then, is an important component of this ability. Serious thought should be given to the practical implementation of these ideas.

It is important to clearly define the nature of a BSA program designed to foster self-esteem within the school setting. In our opinion, such a program should include important determinants of self-esteem, i.e. competence and social support.

Harter ( Harter, 1999 ) stated that competence and social support, together provide a powerful explanation of the level of self-esteem. According to Harter's research on self-perceived competence, every child experiences some discrepancy between what he/she would like to be, the ‘ideal self’, and his/her actual perception of him/herself, ‘the real self’. When this discrepancy is large and it deals with a personally relevant domain, this will result in lower self-esteem. Moreover, the overall sense of support of significant others (especially parents, peers and teachers) is also influential for the development of self-esteem. Children who feel that others accept them, and are unconditionally loved and respected, will report a higher sense of self-esteem ( Bee, 2000 ). Thus, children with a high discrepancy and a low sense of social support reported the lowest sense of self-esteem. These results suggest that efforts to improve self-esteem in children require both supportive social surroundings and the formation and acceptance of realistic personal goals in the personally relevant domains ( Harter, 1999 ).

In addition to determinants such as competence and social support, we need to translate the theoretical knowledge on coping with inner self-processes (e.g. inconsistencies between the real and ideal self) into practice, in order to perform a systematic intervention regarding the self. Harter's work offers an important foundation for this. Based on her own and others' research on the development of the self, she suggests the following principles to prevent the development of negative self-esteem and to enhance self-worth ( Harter, 1999 ):

Reduction of the discrepancy between the real self and the ideal self.

Encouragement of relatively realistic self-perceptions.

Encouraging the belief that positive self-evaluations can be achieved.

Appreciation for the individual's views about their self-esteem and individual perceptions on causes and consequences of self-worth.

Increasing awareness of the origins of negative self-perceptions.

Providing a more integrated personal construct while improving understanding of self-contradictions.

Encouraging the individual and his/her significant others to promote the social support they give and receive.

Fostering internalization of positive opinions of others.

Haney and Durlak ( Haney and Durlak, 1998 ) wrote a meta-analytical review of 116 intervention studies for children and adolescents. Most studies indicated significant improvement in children's and adolescents' self-esteem and self-concept, and as a result of this change, significant changes in behavioral, personality, and academic functioning. Haney and Durlak reported on the possible impact improved self-esteem had on the onset of social problems. However, their study did not offer an insight into the potential effect of enhanced self-esteem on mental disorders.

Several mental health-promoting school programs that have addressed self-esteem and the determinants of self-esteem in practice, were effective in the prevention of eating disorders ( O'Dea and Abraham, 2000 ), problem behavior ( Flay and Ordway, 2001 ), and the reduction of substance abuse, antisocial behavior and anxiety ( Short, 1998 ). We shall focus on the first two programs because these are universal programs, which focused on ‘mainstream’ school children. The prevention of eating disorders program ‘Everybody's Different’ ( O'Dea and Abraham, 2000 ) is aimed at female adolescents aged 11–14 years old. It was developed in response to the poor efficacy of conventional body-image education in improving body image and eating behavior. ‘Everybody's Different’ has adopted an alternative methodology built on an interactive, school-based, self-esteem approach and is designed to prevent the development of eating disorders by improving self-esteem. The program has significantly changed aspects of self-esteem, body satisfaction, social acceptance and physical appearance. Female students targeted by the intervention rated their physical appearance, as perceived by others, significantly higher than control-group students, and allowed their body weight to increase appropriately by refraining from weight-loss behavior seen in the control group. These findings were still evident after 12 months. This is one of the first controlled educational interventions that had successfully improved body image and produced long-term changes in the attitudes and self-image of young adolescents.

The ‘Positive Action Program’ ( Flay and Ordway, 2001 ) serves as a unique example of some BSA principles in practice. The program addresses the challenge of increasing self-esteem, reducing problem behavior and improving school performance. The types of problem behavior in question were delinquent behavior, ‘misdemeanors’ and objection to school rules ( Flay and Ordway, 2001 ). This program concentrates on self-concept and self-esteem, but also includes other risk and protective factors, such as positive actions, self-control, social skills and social support that could be considered as determinants of self-esteem. Other important determinants of self-esteem, such as coping with internal self-processes, are not addressed. At present, the literature does not provide many examples of BSA studies that produce general preventive effects among adolescents who do not (yet) display behavioral problems ( Greenberg et al. , 2000 ).

To conclude, research results show beneficial outcomes of positive self-esteem, which is seen to be associated with mental well-being, happiness, adjustment, success, academic achievements and satisfaction. It is also associated with better recovery after severe diseases. However, the evolving nature of self-esteem could also result in negative outcomes. For example, low self-esteem can be a causal factor in depression, anxiety, eating disorders, poor social functioning, school dropout and risk behavior. Interestingly, the cross-sectional characteristic of many studies does not exclude the possibility that low self-esteem can also be considered as an important consequence of such disorders and behavioral problems.

Self-esteem is an important risk and protective factor linked to a diversity of health and social outcomes. Therefore, self-esteem enhancement can serve as a key component in a BSA approach in prevention and health promotion. The design and implementation of mental health programs with self-esteem as one of the core variables is an important and promising development in health promotion.

The authors are grateful to Dr Alastair McElroy for his constructive comments on this paper. The authors wish to thank Rianne Kasander (MA) and Chantal Van Ree (MA) for their assistance in the literature search. Financing for this study was generously provided by the Dutch Health Research and Development Council (Zorg Onderzoek Nederland, ZON/MW).

Abel, E. ( 1998 ) Sexual risk behaviors among ship and shore based Navy women. Military Medicine , 163 , 250 –256.

Abramson, L.Y., Metalsky, G.I. and Alloy, L.B. ( 1989 ) Hopelessness depression: a theory based subtype of depression. Psychological Review , 96 , 358 –372.

Adams, M.J. ( 1996 ) Youth in crisis: an examination of adverse risk factors effecting children's cognitive and behavioral–emotional development, children ages 10–16. Dissertation Abstracts International A: Humanities and Social Sciences , 56 (8-A), 3313 .

Ajzen, I. ( 1991 ) The theory of planned behavior. Organizational and Human Decision Processes , 50 , 179 –211.

Albee, G.W. ( 1985 ) The argument for primary prevention. Journal of primary prevention , 5 , 213 –219.

Alice, E. ( 1993 ) Mediating at risk factors among seventh and eighth grade students with specific learning disabilities using a holistically based model. Dissertation , Nove University.

Andrews, E.J. ( 1999 ) The effects of a self-improvement program on the self-esteem of single college mothers. Dissertation Abstracts International A: Humanities and Social Sciences , 60 (2-A), 0345 .

Angold, A., Costello, E.J. and Erkanli, A. ( 1999 ) Comorbidity. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry , 40 , 57 –87.

Bandura, A. ( 1977 ) Social Learning Theory . Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

Bandura, A. ( 1986 ) Social Foundations of Thought And Action: A Social Cognitive Theory . Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

Baumeister, R.F. ( 1990 ) Suicide as escape from self. Psychological Review , 97 , 90 –113.

Baumeister, R.F., Bushman, B.J. and Campbell, W.K. ( 2000 ) Self-esteem, narcissism and aggression: does violence result from low self-esteem or from threatened egotism? Current Directions in Psychological Science , 9 , 26 –29.

Beck, A., Steer, R.A., Epstein, N. and Brown, G. ( 1990 ) Beck Self Concept Test. Psychological Assessment , 2 , 191 –197.

Beck, A.T., Brown, G.K., Steer, R.A., Kuyken, W. and Grisham, J. ( 2001 ) Psychometric properties of the Beck Self-Esteem Scales. Behavior Research and Therapy , 39 , 115 –124.

Bee, H.L. ( 2000 ) The Developing Child , 9th edn. Allyn & Bacon, Boston, MA.

Benjet, C. and Hernandez-Guzman, L. ( 2001 ) Gender differences in psychological well-being of Mexican early adolescents. Adolescence , 36 , 47 –65.

Block, J. and Gjerde, P.F. ( 1986 ) Distinguishing between antisocial behavior and under control. In Olweus, D., Block, J. and Radke-Yarrow, M. (eds), Development of Antisocial and Prosocial Behavior: Research , Theories and Issues . Academic Press, New York, pp. 117–206.

Bowlby, J. ( 1980 ) Attachment and Loss III: Loss Sadness and Depression . Hogarth Press, London.

Broers, S., Hengeveld, M.W., Kaptein, A.A., Le-Cessie, S., van de Loo, F. and de Vries, T. ( 1998 ) Are pretransplant psychological variables related to survival after bone marrow transplantation? A prospective study of 123 consecutive patients. Journal of Psychosomatic Research , 45 , 341 –351.

Brown, G.W., Bifluco, A. and Andrews, B. ( 1990 ) Self esteem and depression 3. Aetiological issues. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatry Epidemiology , 25 , 235 –243.

Burns, R. ( 1982 ) Self Concept—Developing and Education . Dorset Press, Dorchester.

Campbell, J.D., Chew, B. and Scrathley, L. ( 1991 ) Cognitive and emotional reactions to daily events: the effects of self esteem and self complexity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 59 , 473 –505.

Caplan, N. ( 1974 ) Who's to blame? Psychology Today , 8 , 99 –104.

Carvajal, S.C., Clair, S.D., Nash, S.G. and Evans, R.I. ( 1998 ) Relating optimism, hope and self-esteem to social influences in deterring substance use in adolescents. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology , 17 , 443 –465.

Chang, A.M. and Mackenzie, A.E. ( 1998 ) State self-esteem following stroke. Stroke , 29 , 2325 –2328.

Coopersmith, S. ( 1967 ) The Antecedents of Self Esteem . Freeman, San Francisco, CA.

Crump, R., Lillie-Blanton, M. and Anthony, J. ( 1997 ) The influence of self esteem on smoking among African American school children. Journal of Drug Education , 27 , 277 –291.

De Vries, H. and Mudde, A.N. ( 1998 ) Predicting stage transitions for smoking cessation applying the Attitude–Social influence–Efficacy Model. Psychology and Health , 13 , 369 –385.

De Vries, H., Dijkstra, M. and Kuhlman, P. ( 1988 a) Self-efficacy: the third factor besides attitude and subjective norm as predictor of behavioral intentions. Health Education Journal , 3 , 273 –282.

De Vries, H., Mudde, A.N., Dijkstra, A. and Willemsen, M.C. ( 1998 b) Differential beliefs, perceived social influences and self-efficacy expectations among smokers in various motivational phases. Preventive Medicine , 27 , 681 –689.

Devlin, S.D. ( 1995 ) Drug use in rural America: what you can do about it. Conference Proceedings of the American Council of Rural Special Education . ACRES, Las Vegas, NV.

Dori, G.A. and Overholser, J.C. ( 1999 ) Depression, hopelessness and self-esteem: accounting for suicidality in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior , 29 , 309 –318.

Erikson, E.H. ( 1965 ) Childhood and Society . Norton, New York.

Erikson, E.H. ( 1968 ) Youth , Identity and Crisis . Norton, New York.

Evans, D.R. ( 1997 ) Health promotion, wellness programs, quality of life and the marketing of psychology. Canadian Psychology , 38 , 1 –12.

Fickova, E. ( 1999 ) Personality dimensions and self esteem indicators relationship. Studia Psychologica , 41 , 323 –328.

Filozof, E., Albertin, H., Jones, C., Sterne, S., Myers, L. and McDermott, R. ( 1998 ) Relationship of adolescent self esteem to selected academic variables. Journal of School Health , 68 , 68 –72.

Fisher, M., Pastore, P., Schneider, M., Pegler, C. and Napolitano, B. ( 1994 ) Eating attitudes in urban and suburban adolescents. International Journal of Eating Disorders , 16 , 67 –74.

Flay, B.R. and Ordway, N. ( 2001 ) Effects of the positive action program on achievement and discipline: two matched- control comparisons. Prevention Science , 2 , 71 –89.

Flay, B.R. and Petraitis, J. ( 1994 ) The theory of triadic influence: a new theory of health behavior with implications for preventive interventions. Advances in Medical Sociology , 4 , 19 –44.

Fleming, J., Mullen, P.E., Sibthorpe, B. and Bammer, G. ( 1999 ) The long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse in Australian women. Child Abuse and Neglect , 23 , 145 –159.

Furnham, A. and Cheng, H. ( 2000 ) Lay theories of happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies , 1 , 227 –246.

Garber, J. and Flynn, C. ( 2001 ) Predictors of depressive cognitions in young adolescents. Cognitive Theory and Research , 25 , 353 –376.

Garmezy, N. ( 1984 ) The study of stress and competence in children: a building block for developmental psychopathology. Child Development , 55 , 97 –111.

Gilbert, S.E. ( 1995 ) Violence in schools: why and what can we do about it? Journal of Health Care , 6 , 205 –208.

Ginsburg, G.S., La Greca, A.M. and Silverman, W.K. ( 1998 ) Social anxiety in children with anxiety disorders: relation with social and emotional functioning. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology , 26 , 175 –185.

Glick, M. and Zigler, E. ( 1992 ) Premorbid competence and the courses and outcomes of psychiatric disorders. In Rolf, J., Masten, A.S., Cicchetti, D., Nuechterlein, K.H. and Weintraub, S. (eds), Risk and Protective Factors in the Development of Psychopathology . Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp. 497–513.

Godin, G. and Kok, G. ( 1996 ) The Theory of Planned Behavior: a review of its applications to health-related behaviors. American Journal of Health Promotion , 11 , 87 –98.

Greenberg, M.T., Domitrovich, C. and Bumbarger, B. ( 2000 ) Preventing Mental Disorders in School-age Children: A Review of the Effectiveness of Prevention Programs . Prevention Research Center for the Promotion of Human Development, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

Hammen, C. and Goodman-Brown, T. ( 1990 ) Self schemes and vulnerability in specific life stress in children at risk for depression. Cognitive Theory and Research , 14 , 215 –227.

Haney, P. and Durlak, J.A. ( 1998 ) Changing self-esteem in children and adolescents. A meta analytic review. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology , 27 , 423 –433.

Harrington, R., Rutter, M. and Fombonne, E. ( 1996 ) Developmental pathways in depression: multiple meanings, antecedents and points. Development and Psychopathology , 8 , 601 –616.

Harter, S. ( 1986 ) Processes underlying the construction, maintenance and enhancement of the self-concept in children. In Suls, J. and Greenwald, A.G. (eds), Psychological Perspectives on the Self . Lawrence Erlbaum, Hillsdale, NJ, vol. 3, pp. 137–181.

Harter, S. ( 1990 ) Causes, correlates and functional role of global self worth: a life span perspective. In Kollgian, J. and Sternberg, R. (eds), Perceptions of Competence and Incompetence across Life Span . Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, pp. 67–98.

Harter, S. ( 1999 ) The Construction of the Self. A Developmental Perspective . Guilford Press, New York.

Hay, I., Ashman, A.F. and van Kraayenoord, C.E. ( 1998 ) Educational characteristics of students with high or low self concept. Psychology in the Schools , 35 , 391 –400.

Herbert, M. ( 1987 ) Living with Teenagers . Basil Blackwell, Oxford.

Higgins, E.T. ( 1987 ) Self discrepancy; theory relation self and affect. Psychological Review , 94 , 319 –340.

Higgins, E.T. ( 1989 ) Self discrepancy theory: what patters of self beliefs cause people suffer? In Berkowitz, L. (ed.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology . Academic Press, New York, vol. 22, pp. 23–63.

Hobfool, S.E. and Walfisch, S. ( 1984 ) Coping with a threat to life: a longitudinal study of self concept, social support and psychological distress. American Journal of Community Psychology , 12 , 87 –100.

Hoffman, M.L. ( 1999 ) Examining sex differences in adolescent adjustment: the effect of competence on gender role in differences in psychopathology. Dissertation Abstracts international: Section B: Science and Engineering , 59 (9-B), 5086 .

Horowitz, L.A. ( 1999 ) The relationship of childhood sexual abuse to revictimisation: mediating variables and developmental processes. Dissertation Abstracts International B: Sciences and Engineering , 60 (4-B), 1855 .

Hosman, C.M.H. (ed.) ( 2000 ) Naar een Geestelijke Gezonde Samenleving: Inleiding in de Preventieve Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg [Towards a Mentally Healthy Community: Introduction in Prevention in Mental Health]. Kluwer, Dordrecht.

Jahoda, M. ( 1958 ) Current Concepts of Positive Mental Health . Basil Books, New York.

Jessor, R., Turbin, M.S. and Costa, F.M. ( 1998 ) Risk and protection in successful outcomes among disadvantaged adolescents. Applied Developmental Science , 2 , 194 –208.

Jones, S. and Heaven, P. ( 1998 ) Psychosocial correlates of adolescent drug-taking behavior. Journal of Adolescence , 21 , 127 –134.

Judge, T.A., Bono, J.E. and Locke, E.A. ( 2000 ) Personality and job satisfaction: the mediating role of job characteristics. Journal of Applied Psychology , 85 , 237 –249.

Kashubeck and Christensen. ( 1993 ) Parental alcohol use, family relationship quality, self-esteem end depression in college. Journal of College Student Development , 36 , 431 –343.

Kihlstrom, J.F. and Cantor, N. ( 1983 ) Mental representations of the self. In Berkowitz, L. (ed.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology . Academic Press, San Diego, CA, vol. 17, pp. 1–47.

Kressly, J.C. ( 1994 ) Middle level advisory: targeting potential violence before tragedy strikes. Schools in the Middle , 3 , 27 –30.

Lazarus, R.S. and Folkman, S. ( 1984 ) Coping and adaptation. In Gentry, W.D. (ed.), The Handbook of Behavioral Medicine . Guilford, New York, pp. 282–325.

Macdonald, G. ( 1994 ) Self esteem and the promotion of mental health. In Trent, D. and Reed, C. (eds), Promotion of Mental Health . Avebury, Aldershot, vol. 3, pp. 19–20.

Marcia, J.E., Waterman, A.S., Matteson, D.R., Archer, S.L. and Orlofsky, J.L. ( 1993 ) Ego Identity : A Handbook for Psycho-social Research . Springer, New York.

Markus, H. ( 1977 ) Self schemata and processing information about the self. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 35 , 63 –78.

Markus, H. and Nurius, P. ( 1986 ) Possible selves. American Psychologist , 41 , 954 –969.

Marsh, H.W. and Yeung, A.S. ( 1997 ) Causal effects of academic self-concept on academic achievement: structural equation models of longitudinal data. Journal of Educational Psychology , 89 , 41 –54.

Miller, P.M., Kreitman, N.B., Ingham, J.G. and Sashidharan, S.P. ( 1989 ) Self esteem, life stress and psychiatric disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders , 17 , 65 –75.

Muha, D.G. ( 1991 ) Dropout prevention and group counseling. High School Journal , 74 , 76 –80.

Nyamathi, A. ( 1991 ) Relationships of resources to emotional distress, somatic complaints and high risk behaviors in drug recovery and homeless minority women. Research in Nursing and Health , 14 , 269 –277.

O'Dea, J.A. and Abraham, S. ( 2000 ) Improving the body image, eating attitudes and behaviors of young male and female adolescents: a new educational approach that focuses on self-esteem. International Journal of Eating Disorders , 28 , 43 –57.

Oliver, J.M. and Paull, J.C. ( 1995 ) Self-esteem and self-efficacy; perceived parenting and family climate; and depression in university students. Journal of Clinical Psychology , 51 , 467 –481.

Overholser, J.C., Adams, D.M., Lehnert, K.L. and Brinkman, D.C. ( 1995 ) Self esteem deficits and suicidal tendencies among adolescents. Journal of American Academy Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , 34 , 919 –928.

Patterson, G.R. and Capaldi, D.M. ( 1992 ) Mediational model for boys depressed mood. In Rolf, J., Masten, A.S., Cicchetti, D., Nuechterlein, K.H. and Weintraub, S. (eds), Risk and Protective Factors in Development of Psychopathology . Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp. 141–163.

Patton, W. ( 1991 ) Relationship between self image and depression in adolescents. Psychological Reports , 68 , 687 –688.

Paul, J.P., Stall, R. and Davis, D.F. ( 1993 ) Sexual risk for HIV transmission among gay/bisexual men in substance-abuse treatment. AIDS Education and Prevention , 5 , 11 –24.

Penninx, B.W., van Tilburg, T., Boeke, A.J.P., Deeg, D.J., Kriegsman, D.M. and van Eijk, J.T. ( 1998 ) Effects of social support and personal coping resources on depressive symptoms: different for various chronic diseases? Health Psychology , 17 , 551 –558.

Poikolainen, K., Tuulio-Henrikkson, A., Aalto-Setaelae, T., Marttunen, M. and Loennqvist, J. ( 2001 ) Predictors of alcohol intake and heavy drinking in early adulthood: a 5-year follow-up of 15–19-year-old Finnish adolescents. Alcohol and Alcoholism , 36 , 85 –88.

Reda-Norton, L.J. ( 1995 ) Elementary school predictors of adolescent adjustment problems. Dissertation Abstracts International B: Science and Engineering , 56 (5-B), 2904 .

Reinherz, H.Z., Giaconia, R.M., Pakiz, B., Silverman, A.B., Farst, A.K. and Lefkowitz, E.S. ( 1993 ) Psychosocial risk for major depression in late adolescence. Journal of American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , 32 , 1155 –1163.

Reston, V. ( 1991 ) HIV Prevention Education for Exceptional Youth: Why HIV Prevention Education is Important. Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Washington, DC.

Rice, K.G., Ashby, J.S. and Slaney, R.B. ( 1998 ) Self-esteem as a mediator between perfectionism and depression: A structural equations analysis. Journal of Counseling Psychology , 45 , 304 –314.

Rodney, H.E., Mupier, R. and Crafter, B. ( 1996 ) Predictors of alcohol drinking among African American adolescents: Implications for violence prevention. Journal of Negro Education , 65 , 434 –444.

Rogers, T.B. ( 1981 ) A model of the self as an aspect of the human information processing system. In Canton, N. and Kihlstrom, J.F. (eds), Personality , Cognition and Social Interaction . Erlbaum, Hillsdale, NJ, pp. 193–214.

Rolf, J. and Johnson, J. ( 1992 ) The challenges of Aids. In Rolf, J., Masten, A.S., Cicchetti, D., Nuechterlein, K.H. and Weintraub, S. (eds), Risk and Protective Factors in Development of psychopathology . Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp. 384–404.

Rolf, J., Masten, A.S., Cicchetti, D., Nuechterlein, K.H. and Weintraub, S. ( 1990 ) Risk and Protective Factors in the Development of Psychopathology . Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Rouse, K.A. ( 1998 ) Longitudinal health endangering behavior among resilient and nonresilient early adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health , 23 , 297 –302.

Rutter, M. ( 1992 ) Psychosocial resilience and protective mechanisms. In Rolf, J., Masten, A.S., Cicchetti, D., Nuechterlein, K.H. and Weintraub, S. (eds), Risk and Protective Factors in the Development of Psychopathology . Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp. 181–214.

Sartorius, N. ( 1988 ) Health Promotion strategies: Keynote Address. Canadian Journal of Public Health , 79 (Suppl. 2), s3 –s5.

Scarano, G.M., Gina, M., Kaodner, M. and Cynthia, R. ( 1994 ) A Description of the continuum of eating disorders: implications for intervention and research. Journal of Counseling and Development , 72 , 356 –361.

Schoen. ( 1999 ) The etiology of violence and the voice of the perpetrator. Dissertation Abstracts International B: Science and Engineering , 60 (2-B), 0875 .

Seligman, M.E.P. ( 1975 ) Helplessness . Freeman, San Francisco, CA.

Seligman, M.E.P. ( 1995 ) What You Can Change and What You Can't . Knopf, New York.

Seligman, M.E.P. and Csikszentmihalyi, M. ( 2000 ) Positive psychology: an introduction. American Psychologist , 55 , 5 –14.

Seligman, M.E.P., Reivich, K., Jaycox, L. and Gillham, J. ( 1995 ) The Optimistic Child . Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA.

Shadmon, O. ( 1998 ) Family and non-family supports as contributors to adjustment in school-aged children with employed mothers. Dissertation Abstracts International B: Science and Engineering , 59 (2-B), 0898 .

Shin, K.R. ( 1993 ) Factors predicting depression among Korean-American women in New York. International Journal of Nursing Studies , 30 , 415 –423.

Shisslak, C.M., Crago, M., Gray, N., Estes, L.S., McKnight, K., Parnaby, O.G., Sharpe, T., Bryson, S., Killen, J. and Barr-Taylor, C. ( 1998 ) The prevention of eating disorders. Studies in eating disorders. In Vandereycken, W. and Noordenbos, G. (eds), The McKnight Foundation Prospective Study of Risk Factors for the Development of Eating Disorders. An International Series . New York University Press, New York, vol. xii, pp. 56–74.

Short, J.L. ( 1998 ) Evaluation of a substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion program for children of divorce. Journal of Divorce and Remarriage , 28 , 139 –155.

Smolak, L., Levine, M.P. and Schermer, F. ( 1998 ) A controlled evaluation of an elementary school primary prevention program for eating problems. Journal of Psychosomatic Research , 44 , 339 –353.

Solomon, S., Greenberg, J. and Pysczynski, T. ( 2000 ) Pride and prejudice: fear of death and social behavior. Current Directions in Psychological Science , 9 , 200 –204.

Somali, A., Kelley, J., Heckman, T., Hackl, K., Runge, L. and Wright, C. ( 2001 ) Life optimism, substance use and AIDS-specific attitudes associated with HIV-risk behaviour among disadvantaged inner city women. Journal of Women's Health and Gender-based Medicine , 9 , 1101 –1110.

St Jeor, S.T. ( 1993 ) The role of weight management in the health of women. Journal of the American Dietetic Association , 93 , 1007 –1012.

Strecher, V.J., DeVillis, B.M., Becker, M.H. and Rosenstock, I.M. ( 1986 ) The role of self-efficacy in achieving health behaviour change. Health Education Quarterly , 31 , 73 –92.

Swendsen, J.D. and Merikangas, K.M. ( 2000 ) The comorbidity of depression and substance use disorders. Clinical Psychology Review , 20 , 173 –189.

Taylor, S. and Brown, J. ( 1988 ) Illusions and well-being: a social psychological perspective on mental health. Psychological Bulletin , 103 , 193 –210.

Teri, L. ( 1982 ) Depression in adolescence: its relationship to assertion and various aspects of self image. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology , 11 , 101 –106.

van der Ham, T., van der Strien, D.C. and van Engelan, H. ( 1998 ) Personality characteristics predict outcomes of eating disorders in adolescents: a 4-year prospective study. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , 7 , 79 –84.

Vickers, M.J. ( 1993 ) Understanding obesity in woman. Journal of Obesity and Gynecology , 22 , 17 –23.

Vohs, K.D., Voelz, Z.R., Pettit, J.W., Bardone, A.M., Katz, J. and Abramson, L.Y. ( 2001 ) Perfectionism, body dissatisfaction and self-esteem: an interactive model of bulimic symptom development. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology , 20 , 476 –497.

Weare, K. ( 2000 ) Promoting Mental and Social Health: A Whole School Approach . Routledge, London.

WHO ( 1986 ) Discussion document on the concept and principles of health promotion. Health Promotion , 1 , 73 –76.

Wilhelm, K., Parker, G., Dewhurst-Savellis, J. and Asghari, A. ( 1999 ) Psychological predictors of single and recurrent major depressive episodes. Journal of Affective Disorders , 54 , 139 –147.

Zimmerman, S.L. ( 2000 ) Self-esteem, personal control, optimism, extraversion and the subjective well-being of midwestern university faculty. Dissertation Abstracts International B: Sciences and Engineering , 60 (7-B), 3608 .

Author notes

1Department of Health Education and Promotion, Maastricht University, Maastricht and 2Prevention Research Center on Program Development and Effect Management, The Netherlands

• mental health
• self esteem

Email alerts

Citing articles via.

• Recommend to your Library

Affiliations

• Online ISSN 1465-3648
• Print ISSN 0268-1153
• Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
• About Oxford Academic
• Publish journals with us
• University press partners
• What we publish
• New features  
• Open access
• Institutional account management
• Rights and permissions
• Get help with access
• Accessibility
• Advertising
• Media enquiries
• Oxford University Press
• Oxford Languages
• University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

• Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
• Cookie settings
• Cookie policy
• Privacy policy
• Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

Why It's Important to Have High Self-Esteem

Sarah Vanbuskirk has over 20 years of experience as a writer and editor, covering a range of health, wellness, lifestyle, and family-related topics. Her work has been published in numerous magazines, newspapers, and websites, including The Spruce, Activity Connection, Glamour, PDX Parent, Self, Verywell Fit, TripSavvy, Marie Claire, and TimeOut New York.

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

Verywell / Laura Porter

What Is Self-Esteem?

• Defining High Self-Esteem
• Why It's Important

Risks of Low Self-Esteem

Can you have too much self-esteem.

• Contributing Factors

Cultivating High Self-Esteem

Ways to improve self-esteem.

It's easy to discount the importance of having high self-esteem. However, having positive personal regard can be the difference between feeling good about and taking care of yourself and not.

We've likely all heard the advice to believe in yourself, value yourself, be your own cheerleader, and that you can't fully love others until you love yourself —and all of that is true. But what exactly does that really mean in real life? Essentially, that having high self-esteem is vital to a successful, happy life .

But how exactly do you know if your self-esteem is high enough? Below, we'll take a look at what self-esteem is, why it's important, and how to build yours up.

We'll also break down the negative effects of having low self-esteem, the difference between occasionally being down on yourself and truly having poor self-esteem, whether your self-esteem can be too high, factors that contribute to low self-esteem, and tips for cultivating a more positive self-outlook and self-respect.

In order to have high self-esteem, it's important to understand what self-esteem really is. Self-esteem is giving respect and admiration to yourself. The American Psychological Association defines self-esteem as "the degree to which the qualities and characteristics contained in one’s self-concept are perceived to be positive."

High self-esteem is not just liking yourself but generally affording yourself love, value, dignity, and respect, too. Positive self-esteem also means believing in your capability (to learn, achieve, and contribute to the world) and autonomy to do things on your own. It means you think your ideas, feelings, and opinions have worth.

In other words, self-esteem is how you feel about yourself (inside and out), encompassing what you think about and value in yourself and how you relate to others. It's also related to how you feel others view, treat, and value you. This is why those in abusive situations or who have experienced trauma (particularly as children) are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, concurrently and in the future, as a result.

Self-esteem isn't dependent entirely on one thing or set of thoughts. Instead, a person's self-esteem is made up of your view of all the things that define you as a person, including your personality, accomplishments, talents, capabilities, background, experiences, relationships, and physical body, as well as how you perceive others see you.

Each person may put a particular emphasis on certain areas that impact self-esteem, such as putting extra importance on your looks , relationship status, talents, or professional accomplishments (or lack thereof), when forming your self-image and how you feel about it.

Self-Esteem vs. Depression

Note, too, that low self-esteem is not the same as depression . While the two concepts overlap, low self-esteem is considered a risk factor for depression (see more on this below) rather than being the same thing.

While depression is a mental health condition that impacts the mind and body, self-esteem describes the way you think and feel about yourself. Additionally, some people have more stable self-esteem, while other's feelings about themselves are more mood- and life event-reactive—and more prone to plummet.  

Remember, whether your self-esteem is high or low is influenced by the many factors that make you, you—some of which are in your control, some are not.

Ultimately, what matters most is what you focus on from those many factors and how much grace and compassion you afford yourself with regard to the things you're less thrilled about.

Whether you realize it or not, your self-esteem is the picture you paint of yourself, the parts of you that you choose to emphasize. Essentially, as famed naturalist philosopher Henry David Thoreau once said, "The question is not what you look at, but what you see.”

What It Means to Have High Self-Esteem

High self-esteem means generally holding yourself in positive regard. This doesn't mean you love everything about yourself or think you are perfect. On the contrary, even for those with high self-esteem, it's common to be self-critical and have some parts of yourself that you are less proud of or happy with than other elements.

However, if you have high self-esteem, the positive thoughts about yourself outweigh the negative—and the negative doesn't make you discount your worth as a person . High self-esteem can also fluctuate depending on the circumstance.

Essentially, high self-esteem is a frame of mind that lets you celebrate your strengths, challenge your weaknesses, and feel good about yourself and your life. It allows you to put daily ups and downs in perspective because, at your core, you value, trust, and respect yourself. High self-esteem helps you say, "I've had a bad day," for example, instead of saying, "I have a bad life."

High self-esteem also helps you understand that everything isn't about you, enabling you to not take everything personally and not be overly reactive. Strong self-respect lets you see beyond yourself and feel confident of your place in the world.

Characteristics of high self-esteem include:

• Holding yourself in positive regard
• Celebrating your strengths and challenging your weaknesses
• Keeping daily ups and downs in perspective
• Having strong self-respect and self-confidence

Interestingly, having high self-esteem does not always align with the circumstances or qualities that you might objectively assume should correlate with feeling good about yourself.

For example, some research shows that physical attractiveness does not predict high self-esteem . In fact, one study showed that teens with "facial attractiveness" scored lower on self-esteem ratings than their peers. In other words, the person who seems to have it all—great job, romantic partner, beauty, fit body—may not see it that way.

Signs of High Self-Esteem

How do you know if you have high self-esteem? Here are a few signs:

• You feel comfortable expressing your opinions, if they are different from those around you.
• You're confident in your abilities.
• You don't let challenges hold you back.
• You don't let a setback change how you feel about yourself.
• You treat yourself with love and respect versus calling yourself names or discrediting yourself.
• You're willing to set boundaries with people who don't value and respect you

Why High Self-Esteem Is Important

According to the American Psychological Association, having high self-esteem is key to positive mental health and well-being. High self-esteem is good because it helps you develop coping skills , handle adversity, and put the negative into perspective.

If you have a higher self-concept you also don't tend to put undue focus, blame, self-doubt, hopelessness, or weight on the parts you aren't happy about. You're also better able to cope with stress , anxiety, and pressure, whether from school, work, home, or peers.

Rather than feeling hopeless , stuck, or unworthy due to any perceived "failings," a person with high self-esteem is more likely to look for what they can change or improve upon. If struggling with a project at work, for example, someone with high self-esteem might ask a supervisor for help coming up with solutions versus berating themselves for being ineffective at their job.

Conversely, someone with low self-esteem is more likely to become entrenched in negative feelings about themself. In fact, research shows that feeling positive and respectful about yourself, particularly as a child, goes a long way in helping you adapt and adjust to the challenges of life.

A healthy self-concept and self-respect can enable you to realize that it's not the end of the world if something goes wrong, someone rejects you, you make a mistake, or you have some faults.

Self-Esteem and Prosocial Behavior

High self-esteem is also linked to prosocial behavior (actions with the intent to benefit others, such as generosity and qualities like empathy), flexibility, and positive familial relationships. In fact, a 2014 study found that college students with higher self-esteem and more loving and supportive relationships with their families were more successful at school and adapted better to the social adjustment of living in a new environment.  

Self-Esteem and Stress

How you experience stress is also strongly related to your level of self-esteem. Prosocial behavior (which, as noted above, is more likely with higher self-esteem) is known to reduce the negative impact of stressors on daily life, helping you to manage stress more effectively.   Studies have also found a positive relationship between positive self-esteem and motivation to accomplish goals, self-efficacy, and self-control.   Higher levels of self-esteem are also predictive of greater academic success.  

High Self-Esteem Boosts Overall Well-Being

Additionally, high self-esteem is considered to be protective against many mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. In fact, studies show that having high self-esteem is directly correlated to your satisfaction with your life and to the ability to maintain a favorable attitude about yourself in challenging situations.  

Research also shows that people with higher self-esteem are happier in their jobs, have better social relationships, and generally, a more positive sense of well-being.  

Like many elements of mental health, researchers often describe self-esteem as existing on a spectrum.

Like anything in life, your self-image is prone to change and grow as you mature and live your life, and in response to key life events.

However, it's also true that people tend toward a certain set-point of self-esteem that can be persistent, whether high, low, or somewhere in between. Social interactions, attention, emotional regulation, decision-making, and life satisfaction are all impacted by lower self-image.

As noted above, when you have high self-esteem, you're better able to shake off unfavorable events and the negative judgments or moods of others that may be directed your way. Conversely, when you have a lower self-concept, you're more likely to take criticism or rejection personally and to assume someone else's problems are about you.  

This combination can make people with low self-esteem more reactive to day-to-day circumstances and personal interactions. Those with lower self-esteem are also less likely to keep their emotions in check, cope well with challenges, and look at life from a healthy perspective.

Often low self-esteem means small things become blown up into bigger issues that can feel insurmountable, further ratcheting down self-regard.

Feeling Down vs. Poor Self-Esteem

Essentially, low self-esteem isn't just having a bad mood or a bad day. Everyone feels down when negative things happen but these feelings typically pass and, especially for those with positive self-esteem, don't have a drastic impact on self-worth. Instead, low self-esteem is a chronically negative self-image that, while it may ebb and flow with the positive and negative events in your life, for the most part, stays with you over time, regardless of life circumstances.

Your level of self-regard may be, in part, a function of the natural variation in personality types , affect, genetics, and/or in response to upbringing, peers, and life events. However, when self-esteem is particularly low, as noted above, it can put you at risk of many mental health challenges.

Susceptibility to Depression

The link between low self-esteem and mental health conditions is particularly strong. Interestingly, research shows convincingly that poor self-esteem contributes to depression , rather than the reverse. This means that depression doesn't create low self-regard. Instead, thinking poorly of yourself makes you more vulnerable to depression.  

Additionally, studies indicate that higher self-esteem offers protection from mental health conditions, likely due to the improved coping skills, higher positivity, and resiliency that comes with this more accepting and affirmative self-talk.   Essentially, low self-esteem begets feeling bad about yourself, which makes leading a fulfilling life, reaching your goals , and having positive social and intimate relationships harder.

Critically, studies show that low self-esteem is highly correlated to depression, anxiety , emotional problems, substance use , stress, eating disorders , and suicidal ideation .   Research also shows a strong correlation between low self-esteem and anxiety disorders , particularly with social phobias and social anxiety disorder .  

If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts, contact the  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  at  988 for 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 our  National Helpline Database .

Risky Behaviors

Studies also show a link between poor self-esteem and an increased risk of risky health behaviors, particularly in teens, such as drug and alcohol use, drunk driving, self-harm , smoking, and carrying a weapon.   Essentially, those who value and respect themselves the least are more willing to make more dangerous choices that may impact their health and safety.

Additionally, improvements in self-esteem are shown to be helpful in the recovery from addiction . In fact, studies show that this relationship of low self-esteem and poor choices is particularly evident in adolescents who already are at a disadvantage for decision-making due to their still-developing executive function skills .   Research has also found a link between low self-esteem and risky sexual behaviors in teens.  

Low Self-Confidence

Research also finds a clear correlation between low self-confidence and low self-esteem, as well as the reverse. Additionally, having high self-confidence encourages self-reliance, self-advocacy, and trust in yourself and your abilities, all factors that bolster high self-esteem—and create a framework for positive mental health and quality of life.  

An unrealistic or overly elevated self-concept may be as unhealthy as a negative one. However, it's important to distinguish between healthy high self-esteem and arrogance. High self-esteem is not being egotistical, thinking you are infallible, or better than others.

High Self-Esteem vs. Arrogance and Narcissism

Arrogance is when a person's self-concept veers from reality and becomes the dominant force in their life, and we might assume that too much self-esteem equals an inflated ego.

However, this type of narcissistic self-concept isn't necessarily a natural progression from healthy self-esteem, which values the self but not above all others.

Instead, narcissism or arrogance describes a person who focuses primarily on themselves, considers themselves more important or worthwhile than others, and often, doesn't even think about how their actions impact those around them. Really, it can be argued that what looks like "too much self-esteem" is actually the opposite.

In fact, while narcissists may seem to have high self-esteem, studies show that grandiose beliefs about yourself often actually mask a poor self-image, feelings of shame, and self-directed anger hiding underneath.

People with narcissistic personality disorder are also more prone to comorbid mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, experience feelings of helplessness, and have unstable personal relationships.  

Factors Contributing to Low or High Self-Esteem

While, as noted above, a complex web of influences combine to shape your identity, personality, and self-concept, there are specific factors that predict high or low self-esteem. Namely, factors that impact self-esteem include whether or not you had a supportive upbringing, where your needs, thoughts, feelings, contributions, and ideas are valued. Positive thinking , heredity , personal outlook, your peers, and other role models all matter a lot as well.  

Experiencing challenging life events or trauma like divorce, violence, racism, neglect, poverty, a natural disaster, being bullied, or otherwise treated poorly can also contribute to low self-esteem.  

The effectiveness of your coping skills , the relative positivity of your personal outlook, and general resiliency, all factors that can be innate or learned, greatly impact the influence negative experiences may have on your self-esteem as well.  

Cultivating high self-esteem (and resiliency) is no easy task, but it's certainly possible and within your grasp—and can make a huge difference in your life. As noted above, it's key to understand that a significant component of self-esteem is your thought patterns, what you focus on, and optimism rather than simply on objective facts or events of your life.

In other words, it's about what you see (and say to yourself) when looking at your physical self, skills, accomplishments, or future potential.

Building up your self-esteem takes work, determination, and a willingness to examine and counter negative thoughts about yourself—and to actively bolster your self-image with positive ones. It's vital to give yourself grace, to let go of certain things that bother you as well as to work on those areas that you can (and want) to change.

If you value yourself, and have high enough self-worth, you also know that you deserve to take care of yourself, which then can contribute to trying to do things to improve your self-esteem. It's difficult to take care of yourself if you think poorly of yourself.

Studies show that forgiving yourself for things you regret can also help improve self-esteem.   Essentially, it's about accepting and loving yourself as you are.

When to Get Help

If you have low self-esteem, it can be helpful to work with a counselor or other mental health professional to begin changing your negative self-talk and improve how you see and value yourself.

As noted above, improving your self-esteem takes practice and intention but is well worth your efforts, as there is a clear link between high self-esteem and quality of life. Some strategies that can help you think more favorably about yourself include the following:

Accept Compliments

Notice the urge to deflect praise and instead, hear it and let it in. Interestingly, research shows that difficulty accepting compliments is directly correlated with low self-esteem.  

Give Yourself a Break

Forgive yourself for mistakes and squash your negative self-theories and self-talk . No one is perfect or loves everything about themselves. Don't expect that of yourself. When you start on a negative spiral, ask yourself if you're being fair to yourself or realistic.

Love Yourself—Flaws And All

Yes, you may have things you wish were different, want to change, or just plain aren't happy with, but love and respect yourself anyway.

Value the Person You Are

Aim to accept and find worth in who you are right now. Seek out and feel pride in what makes you unique, happy, and valued.

Recognize the Importance of High Self-Esteem

Once you begin to see how your view of yourself impacts life satisfaction and well-being, you may be more motivated to alter your thinking and value yourself more.

Seek Support

Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy , can help you work on issues that may be impeding your positive self-outlook and help you build skills to disrupt negative self-talk and attain a more optimistic view of yourself.

Start a Gratitude Journal

In a gratitude journal , write down all the positive things in your life, the things you like about yourself, the accomplishments or qualities you are proud of—then read it over whenever you're feeling down about yourself.

Take Note of Your Thoughts

When negative ones arise, actively choose to either work productively on the issues or decide to let them go. When you have positive thoughts, aim to amplify them, particularly whenever less favorable thinking pops up.

Think of Yourself as a Friend

You're likely to be more patient, forgiving, kind, encouraging, supportive, and proud as you assess a friend than you are of yourself. So, next time you're beating up on yourself, step back, shift your perspective, and look at yourself as you would a friend.

Work on Yourself

If there are things about yourself or your life that you don't feel good about, consider what changes you can make. Then, make a plan to put those changes into action.

A Word From Verywell

High self-esteem is key to life satisfaction. For some, this frame of mind comes easily, for others it's more of a struggle. Luckily, wherever you may be on the self-esteem spectrum, you can work on improving your vision, support, compassion, and love of yourself.

After all, the relationship you have with yourself may ultimately be the one that matters most—it gifts you the resiliency, confidence, kindness, motivation, and love that informs the rest of your life and helps you be the best person you can be.

You might also want to consider reaching out to a therapist to help you learn the skills needed to build your self-esteem.

American Psychological Association. Self-esteem . APA Dictionary of Psychology.

Meškauskienė A. Schoolchild’s self-esteem as a factor influencing motivation to learn .  Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences . 2013;83:900-904. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.06.168

AlShawi AF, Lafta RK. Relation between childhood experiences and adults' self-esteem: A sample from Baghdad .  Qatar Med J . 2014;2014(2):82-91. doi:10.5339/qmj.2014.14

Clasen PC, Fisher AJ, Beevers CG. Mood-reactive self-esteem and depression vulnerability: person-specific symptom dynamics via smart phone sssessment . PLoS One . 2015;10(7):e0129774. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0129774

Mares SH, De leeuw RN, Scholte RH, Engels RC.  Facial attractiveness and self-esteem in adolescence .  J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol . 2010;39(5):627-37. doi:10.1080/15374416.2010.501292

Nguyen DT, Wright EP, Dedding C, Pham TT, Bunders J.  Low self-esteem and its association with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in Vietnamese secondary school students: a cross-sectional study.   Front Psychiatry . 2019;10:698. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00698

Hosogi M, Okada A, Fujii C, Noguchi K, et. al.  Importance and usefulness of evaluating self-esteem in children .  BioPsychoSocial Medicine.  2012;6:9. doi:10.1186/1751-0759-6-9

Afolabi OA.  Do self-esteem and family relations predict prosocial behaviour and social adjustment of fresh students?   Higher Education and Social Science . 2014;7(1):26-34. doi:10.3968/5127

Raposa EB, Laws HB, Ansell EB.  Prosocial behavior mitigates the negative effects of stress in everyday life .  Clin Psychol Sci . 2016;4(4):691-698. doi:10.1177/2167702615611073

Simmen-Janevska K, Brandstätter V, Maercker A. The overlooked relationship between motivational abilities and posttraumatic stress: a review .  Eur J Psychotraumatol . 2012;3:10.3402/ejpt.v3i0.18560. doi:10.3402/ejpt.v3i0.18560

Hyseni Duraku Z, Hoxha L. Self-esteem, study skills, self-concept, social support, psychological distress, and coping mechanism effects on test anxiety and academic performance .  Health Psychol Open . 2018;5(2):2055102918799963. doi:10.1177/2055102918799963

Henriksen IO, Ranøyen I, Indredavik MS, Stenseng F. The role of self-esteem in the development of psychiatric problems: a three-year prospective study in a clinical sample of adolescents .  Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health . 2017;11:68. doi:10.1186/s13034-017-0207-y

Orth U, Robins RW, Widaman KF. Life-span development of self-esteem and its effects on important life outcomes .  J Pers Soc Psychol . 2012;102(6):1271–1288. doi:10.1037/a0025558

Kalvin CB, Bierman KL, Gatzke-Kopp LM. Emotional Reactivity, Behavior Problems, and Social Adjustment at School Entry in a High-risk Sample .  J Abnorm Child Psychol . 2016;44(8):1527-1541. doi:10.1007/s10802-016-0139-7

Park K, Yang TC. The long-term effects of self-esteem on depression: the roles of alcohol and substance uses during young adulthood .  Sociol Q . 2017;58(3):429-446. doi:10.1080/00380253.2017.1331718

Orth U, Robins RW. Understanding the link between low self-esteem and depression .  Curr Dir Psychol Sci . 2013;22(6):455–460. doi:10.1177/0963721413492763

Nguyen DT, Wright EP, Dedding C, Pham TT, Bunders J. Low Self-Esteem and Its Association With Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation in Vietnamese Secondary School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study .  Front Psychiatry . 2019;10:698. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00698

Maldonado L, Huang Y, Chen R, Kasen S, Cohen P, Chen H. Impact of early adolescent anxiety disorders on self-esteem development from adolescence to young adulthood .  J Adolesc Health . 2013;53(2):287-292. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.02.025

Gartland D, Riggs E, Muyeen S, et al. What factors are associated with resilient outcomes in children exposed to social adversity? A systematic review .  BMJ Open . 2019;9(4):e024870. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024870

Balogh KN, Mayes LC, Potenza MN. Risk-taking and decision-making in youth: relationships to addiction vulnerability .  J Behav Addict . 2013;2(1):10.1556/JBA.2.2013.1.1. doi:10.1556/JBA.2.2013.1.1

Enejoh V, Pharr J, Mavegam BO, et al.  Impact of self-esteem on risky sexual behaviors among Nigerian adolescents .  AIDS Care . 2016;28(5):672-676. doi:10.1080/09540121.2015.1120853

Bayat B, Akbarisomar N, Tori NA, Salehiniya H. The relation between self-confidence and risk-taking among the students .  J Educ Health Promot . 2019;8:27. doi:10.4103/jehp.jehp_174_18

Kacel EL, Ennis N, Pereira DB. Narcissistic personality disorder in clinical health psychology practice: case studies of comorbid psychological distress and life-limiting illness .  Behav Med . 2017;43(3):156-164. doi:10.1080/08964289.2017.1301875

Masselink M, Van Roekel E, Oldehinkel AJ. Self-esteem in Early Adolescence as Predictor of Depressive Symptoms in Late Adolescence and Early Adulthood: The Mediating Role of Motivational and Social Factors .  J Youth Adolesc . 2018;47(5):932-946. doi:10.1007/s10964-017-0727-z

Gao F, Yao Y, Yao C, Xiong Y, Ma H, Liu H. The mediating role of resilience and self-esteem between negative life events and positive social adjustment among left-behind adolescents in China: a cross-sectional study .  BMC Psychiatry . 2019;19(1):239. doi:10.1186/s12888-019-2219-z

Peterson SJ, Van Tongeren DR, Womack SD, Hook JN, Davis DE, Griffin BJ.  The benefits of self-forgiveness on mental health: evidence from correlational and experimental research .  J Posit Psychol . 2017;12(2):159-168. doi:10.1080/17439760.2016.1163407

Kille DR, Eibach RP, Wood JV, Holmes, JG.  Who can't take a compliment? The role of construal level and self-esteem in accepting positive feedback from close others .  Journal of Experimental Social Psychology . 2017;68:40-49. doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2016.05.003

By Sarah Vanbuskirk Sarah Vanbuskirk has over 20 years of experience as a writer and editor, covering a range of health, wellness, lifestyle, and family-related topics. Her work has been published in numerous magazines, newspapers, and websites, including The Spruce, Activity Connection, Glamour, PDX Parent, Self, Verywell Fit, TripSavvy, Marie Claire, and TimeOut New York.

• Essay Topic Generator
• Summary Generator
• Thesis Maker Academic
• Sentence Rephraser
• Read My Paper
• Hypothesis Generator
• Cover Page Generator
• Text Compactor
• Essay Scrambler
• Essay Plagiarism Checker
• Hook Generator
• AI Writing Checker
• Notes Maker
• Overnight Essay Writing
• Topic Ideas
• Writing Tips
• Essay Writing (by Genre)
• Essay Writing (by Topic)

Self-Confidence Essay: Writing Guide, Topics, & Sample

Problems with self-confidence are relatively common, especially among teenagers and young adults. We all have experienced a lack of self-confidence in certain situations.

What can be the main factors causing low self-esteem?

• Fear and anxiety. It comes from self-doubt and the comparison of yourself to others.
• Lack of motivation. It happens because of criticism or other factors.
• Lack of support. Approval or help from peers or mentors is essential.
• No sense of authenticity. Feeling confident in who you are, gives a great source of power.

It is essential to address these issues as soon as possible. They can lead to problems with communication, personal growth, and difficulties in studies or career.

In this article, our expert team explains how to write a paper about self-confidence. You’ll find writing tips, topics, and an essay example at the end.

• ✍️ Writing a Self-Confidence Essay
• 🧾 82 Topics
• ✒️ Essay Sample

✍️ Essay on Self-Confidence – How to Write

Let’s start with the basics. Follow the steps below to prepare your paper smartly.

1. Choose a Topic

When you write about self-confidence, try to make your topic more specific .

Example of a bad topic: Why is self-confidence important to every person?

Example of a good topic: The connection between self-confidence and studying performance among first-year students.

The first topic is rather general and probably very common. The second one is narrower and implies that you have researched and prepared the paper.

2. Make an Outline

Planning your essay will save you some time and help you focus on the essential aspects.

Here is how to build an outline:

3. Research

Depending on the topic, you might need to conduct research. Don’t choose sources like Wikipedia or forums in your paper; read them only to overview the issue.

Here is why research is always beneficial:

• Information inspires, even if you don’t plan to use particular materials.
• Sources will add your writing some quality and competence.
• It will help you define if your topic is overused or too narrow.

Use these tips to write an essay easily:

• Start with body paragraphs and finish with a conclusion or introduction.
• Create several drafts or versions of your essay and choose the best one.
• Proofread and check for plagiarism.
• If you write a narrative essay based on personal experience, don’t forget about the academic requirements.

🧾 82 Self-Confidence Essay Topics

Here is our selection of the best self-confidence essay topics.

• The correlation between self-confidence and career expectations. Use research to show the connection between ambitions and confidence.
• How does stereotyping affect self-confidence in communication? Explain your opinion about popular stereotypes and people’s ability to confront them using their confidence. 
• The reasons why self-esteem is as important as intelligence in the educational sphere. Describe your experience or use statistics to prove this statement.
• The factors that influence the formation of children’s self-esteem. Describe the aspects connected with family, peers, education, hobbies, etc. 
• What professions demand a high level of self-confidence? Choose from one to three careers and explain the role of confidence in them.
• What are the negative sides of being too self-confident? Use something you have experienced, a real story, or a book or film plot to develop this topic.
• Why are many people confident only in some spheres of their life? Describe this phenomenon and connect it with your life or research data. 
• Discuss the impact of self-confidence in relationships with family members. Write about the competition that often takes place in families and how it is connected with confidence.
• How not to let criticism harm self-confidence. Explain how to embrace problems and use criticism for your personal growth.
• What is the difference between having high self-esteem and being selfish? Compare these concepts and provide your readers with similarities and differences. 
• How do bullying and discrimination affect teenagers’ self-esteem? 
• Describe the situation when you wish you had more self-confidence.
• Adolescents’ depression: Issue analysis.
• The factors that show that a child has problems with self-confidence.
• Teachers’ sense of self-efficacy.
• Is it easier for self-confident people to succeed in life?
• Low self-esteem women and their relationships with men.  
• How to prepare for a public speech if you are not confident enough?
• Depression development and its causes.
• How does self-esteem affect romantic relationships?
• Digital self-harm, causes, and interventions: Annotated bibliography.
• Define the importance of self-confidence in stressful situations.
• Motivational strategies to enhance the student’s self-efficacy.
• What are the best strategies to boost self-confidence as a student?
• How does a divorce affect children’s self-esteem?
• Digital self-harm overview: Causes and interventions.
• How does self-confidence influence people who work in creative industries?
• Social psychology: Group influence on the self.
• Define the word “confidence” using your life experiences.
• Depression in adolescents.
• Is it possible to lose your confidence completely?
• The developing discipline and self-concept in early to mid-adolescence.
• The importance of counseling in educational institutions.
• Competence and self-esteem in human relations.
• How to define if you have issues with self-confidence?
• Is self-confidence a character feature you have naturally or need to develop?
• Self-harm and suicide among adolescents .
• How to define if the person is confident based on their body language?
• How does child neglect affect a child’s self-esteem in adulthood?
• Is it easier for confident people to make friends?
• Suicide prevention: Bullying and depression.
• Do you consider yourself a confident person?
• What are the negative outcomes of being too self-confident?
• Define what is meant by “child neglect becomes self-esteem.”
• How does capitalism regard individualism and self-confident people?
• What are the things self-confidence depends on?
• Childhood bullying: Depression and suicidal attempts.
• Do you need a specialist to eliminate problems with self-confidence?
• Native American adolescent females and self-esteem concerns.
• How does self-confidence influence life choices?
• How would you explain the word “self-confidence” to someone who doesn’t speak English?
• Bullying and participation in classes.
• How does learning new things boost students’ self-confidence?
• Instagram addiction and self-esteem in high school students.
• Why should teachers do their best to boost their students’ self-confidence?
• How does lack of self-confidence affect kids’ motivation to learn?
• Childhood trauma and bullying: Adulthood effects.
• The connection between self-confidence and social acknowledgment in high school.
• Obesity and self-esteem in children and adolescents.
• How does lack of self-confidence affect mental health?
• How to embrace failures as a self-confident person?
• The relationship between bullying and participation in physical education classes.
• How can parents influence children’s self-esteem?
• The role of self-confidence in nursing clinical practice.
• How does external motivation help to build self-confidence?
• Teenage suicide: The silent killer of the youth.
• How do sports help to build your self-confidence?
• Bullying in schools: History, causes, and solutions.
• What is the difference between self-love and self-confidence?
• Self-esteem measurement scale proposal.
• What are the challenges underconfident teenagers face at school?
• The influence of a toxic social environment on self-confidence. 
• Teenage suicide factors and psychological aspects.
• The connection between stress resilience and self-confidence among young adults.
• Risk factors for deliberate self-harm.
• How to practice self-confidence daily?
• The relationship between teenage suicide and depression.
• Does overcoming challenges and solving problems make you more self-confident?
• LGBTQ students’ bullying in schools.
• Describe your experience when self-confidence helped you to succeed.
• Statistics: Teachers’ self-efficacy and gender.
• The importance of self-confidence in a highly competitive environment.

✒️ Self-Confidence and Healthy Life Essay

In the end, check our examples of a self-confidence essay.

When we start thinking about leading a healthy lifestyle, the first things that come to our minds might be nutritious food, regular sports, and getting enough sleep. It can be not so obvious, but having enough self-confidence is a reasonable basis for a healthy lifestyle. Self-confidence influences mental and physical health because it defines how you treat yourself and your relationships and enables you to enjoy your accomplishments fully. If you are self-confident, you value and treat yourself the way you deserve it. Wasting your time and effort on the things you do not need becomes redundant. It also means that you are optimistic and know what you want most of the time. Such an approach helps to reduce anxiety and stress levels. Self-confident people surround themselves with positive relationships that are beneficial for their health. They are not afraid to say “no” to those they do not like. Self-confidence also helps you establish relationships based on mutual respect and understanding each other’s self-worth. This is how you can protect yourself from toxic people and useless interactions. Knowing that you succeeded because you deserve it brings more positive emotions. When you lack self-confidence, you might undervalue your effort and think that you simply got lucky. Confident people know that they invested their resources and received a particular reward. Establishing this logical connection not only maintains but also boosts confidence. Self-confidence can be a great thing to start with if you want to improve your health. It also makes you surround yourself with the right people and experiences. Knowing your self-worth, having a positive social circle, and appreciating your achievements are always beneficial to mental health.

We hope this article was full of useful information for you. Here’s a list of other materials and study tools we recommend considering:

• 146 Interesting Essay Topics: Unique Ideas for a Good & Fun Paper + Tips.
• How to Write a 1500-Word Essay: Structure & Example
• 200+ Informative Speech Topics for College Students.
• Online Thesis Maker + Sample Thesis Statements [Free]

Duke TIP Navigator

The official magazine for TIPsters in 4th–6th grade

Turning Fear into Confidence—A Personal Essay

October 14, 2020

Facing obstacles throughout your life is inevitable, and the obstacles you overcome can define who you are as a person. Not only will this build character and self-confidence, it will show others how strong you remained and inspire them to overcome their own challenges.

But overcoming obstacles is no simple task. Most obstacles are incredibly hard and testing. Yet, by overcoming them, you will come to understand why they are important. The significance of overcoming obstacles in life is to make you more grounded, courageous, and wise. For me, one of these life-altering obstacles emerged during my undergraduate years.

I had a serious fear of public speaking. There were times where I would struggle with presentations and in-class discussions. When these sessions would take place, my fear built up in a pressure cooker of discouragement and convulsive anguish. I felt humiliated before my teachers, partners, and most of all, my close friends. I soon realized, however, that the same people who seemed to be the source of my fear became my lifeline, their inspirational words filling my mind and heart with positive thoughts.

Seeing my struggles, my peers tried to build me up, to increase my confidence in myself and convince me that anything, including overcoming my fear of public speaking, could be accomplished with enough enthusiasm and belief in oneself.

The obstacles we face in life can distort how we see ourselves and cripple our ability to face our fears. By facing these conflicts head on, though, we can completely flip their effect on us, transforming them into experiences that strengthen our resilience and push the boundaries of what we think is possible to achieve.

Taking everything into account everything I’ve learned from this experience and many others like it that I’ve encountered in my life, it’s clear that obstacles are impossible to avoid, and when you do encounter them, you must view them as learning opportunities. You might just surprise yourself at how easily you overcome them.

This post was written by Duke TIP’s outgoing Marketing & Communications intern, Christina Gordon. Christina graduated from North Carolina Central University in the spring of 2020.

About Duke TIP

The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization that has served over three million academically talented students in grades 4–12 since it was founded in 1980. Collaborating with educators and parents, TIP helps gifted students assess the extent of their academic abilities with above-grade-level testing, recognizes them for their achievements, and provides them with a variety of enrichment benefits as well as accelerated face-to-face and online educational programs.

How to practice self-compassion and build a stable sense of confidence, according to experts

Being kinder to yourself pushes you to make positive changes

Feeling really, truly good about yourself may seem like a straightforward goal, but it's actually the result of developing both self-compassion and confidence.

Building the latter usually means improving your self-esteem—an internal judgment of your self-worth or 'an evaluation of worthiness,' says Kristin Neff, PhD, an associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.

Perhaps the most talked-about method for pumping yourself up is to tip the needle in the direction you want, telling yourself to work harder, get stronger, and develop grit. But now, psych experts are poking holes in that theory, noting that while elevating your self-esteem can certainly be a pathway to more confidence, it has its pitfalls.

Self-esteem is tied to external validation, like compliments at work or likes on an IG post, so it’s fragile, says Christopher Germer, PhD, a lecturer in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. When things don’t go right, comparison, feelings of isolation, and criticism creep in.

Say you’re falling behind on your marathon-training plan and angry with yourself about it. You might think, I’ll try harder because I feel inadequate. In the short term, that may work. But in the long run? Nope. When you get down on yourself, you wind up doubting yourself, which makes it harder to take risks, learn, and grow. You become afraid of failure, and you’re more likely to give up than to try again.

An alternate way to a more assertive you: self-compassion, which involves showing yourself kindness when you’re struggling, failing, or noticing something you don’t love about yourself. Self-compassion isn’t about measuring up to expectations; it’s a way of relating to yourself as a human. By caring and expressing concern for yourself during hard times, you’re able to persevere and create changes.

.css-1cugboc{margin:0rem;font-size:2.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-family:Domaine,Domaine-roboto,Domaine-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;color:#f7623b;font-weight:bold;}.css-1cugboc em,.css-1cugboc i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;}.css-1cugboc b,.css-1cugboc strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;} 'We tend to think of self-compassion as passive, even unproductive, but that could not be further from the truth'

Well, yeah, feels kind of obvious, right? Let’s go back to the training scenario to paint the picture a little more clearly: With self-compassion, you’ll think, I’m going to try because I care about myself and I don’t want to suffer . That kind of motivation 'leads to more self-confidence,' Neff says. When you can sit with your pain and think through what you might need to achieve your goal—like waking up earlier for runs or scheduling them on your phone calendar—instead of spiralling over all the ways you’re failing, you’ll overcome challenges, building confidence and belief in yourself as you go. It’s a subtle change in reaction, but it makes a huge difference. 'Self-compassion gives you a stable source of self-competence, as opposed to a "sugar high,"' Neff says.

We tend to think of self-compassion as passive, even unproductive ('If I’m easy on myself, I’ll become complacent'). But that could not be further from the truth. There are two sides to self-compassion, Neff says. The tender side embodies the idea that although you are innately flawed, you are still worthy. And the fierce side says if you truly care about yourself, you accept yourself but don’t accept all of your behaviours, especially harmful ones. 'Part of caring for yourself means taking active steps to change,' says Neff. That’s where the power of self-compassion comes in.

But none of this is easy. We tend to be waaay nicer to others than we are to ourselves—and we’re quick to judge our shortcomings and failures. The good news is this is a trainable skill. 'It’s a muscle you can build,' says Neff.

What is self-compassion?

'Self-compassion is to accept yourself and give [yourself] the same grace and understanding you would give others,' says Reena B. Patel, BCBA, a board-certified behavioural analyst and positive psychologist. This can be especially hard since we often set high goals, standards, and ideals for ourselves, but self-compassion is accepting the current situation and not beating yourself up when things go awry, she adds.

In other words, self-compassion is gently accepting when you make a mistake and giving yourself room to fail, says Diana Gasperoni, LCSW-R, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of New York-based BeWELL Psychotherapy. 'Self-compassion will allow us to pick ourselves up and try again,' she explains. 'It allows us to grow and flourish.'

Self-compassion exercises to try

These six methods create a deeper understanding of self-compassion and will help you feel your best today and for years to come. Motivation, a better mood, and, yep, alllll the feel-good feelings, right this way…

1. Ask yourself: What do I need?

This is the question that guides the whole self-compassion cultivation agenda, says Germer. Say you missed a deadline and are being hard on yourself about it. Instead of spiralling into negative self-talk, figure out what you need—a few more hours of childcare, writing daily to-do lists—to problem-solve. This inquiry (part of the fierce side of self-compassion) provides resources and tools for change, eventually generating self-confidence as you’re able to learn and grow.

2. Put a hand on your heart.

Touching your heart or your cheek 'is probably the most widely used, simple, and physiologically transformative experience toward self-compassion,' says Germer. (You’re likely already doing it—when you receive bad news, you may instinctively put your hand on your heart!) This self-touch lowers cortisol levels, according to research published in Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology . Also, when you rub your chest, specifically, you may activate your vagus nerve, the main nerve of your parasympathetic (or 'rest and digest') system, Germer says.

3. Figure out when you just *don’t* have it in you.

Pinpoint times when you lack self-compassion, says Pooja Lakshmin, MD, author of Real Self-Care . Do you get in your head when you see an email from a certain coworker, or does negative self-talk bubble up every time you and your partner fight? Homing in on self-kindness in these moments can push you toward the type of change you’re looking for.

4. Reflect on how you speak to yourself.

Is the voice in your head positive or negative? 'Talking to ourselves in a positive way, especially when facing difficulties, is a great place to start with practicing self-compassion because you’re literally giving yourself grace and understanding when working through and accepting difficult situations,' says Patel.

When you make a mistake, shift your perspective, and reflect on what you can learn. 'It’s all about how you emotionally respond to yourself and how those responses affect your overall well-being and outlook on life.'

5. Acknowledge the small wins.

Set achievable goals and acknowledge the small wins, says Gasperoni. This can be as simple as setting a bedtime and sticking to it, or reading 10 pages of a book a day, she explains. Big changes often start with small steps, and this is also true for how we embody self-compassion and perceive and talk to ourselves, adds Patel.

6. Practice gratitude—for yourself.

If you’re disappointed in yourself, it can be hard to let go and move on. But instead of spiralling with negative self-talk, let yourself forgive and move on, says Patel. 'Be kind to yourself and practice self-love and gratitude ,' she explains. 'Expressing gratitude to yourself is being aware of the things that are affecting you and responding with appreciation.'

How to practice positive self-talk

The way you talk to yourself can fuel compassion, but acing positive self-talk is not simply telling yourself, 'Everything’s great!' Here's how to change your tune:

Notice the negativity

An easy way to cultivate a little TLC toward yourself is to practice a meditation tailored by Neff for this purpose: Focus on the mistakes or flaws that have been bothering you lately, then find where the emotions about them tend to end up in your body, like a tightness in your jaw or tension in your shoulders. Allow those feelings to sit in your body instead of resisting or rejecting them. This lets you get in touch with the suffering caused by your criticisms or the belief that you have to be perfect.

Make a wish

Germer favors the use of wishes over positive self-statements (like 'I’m getting stronger!'). Wishes, such as 'May I accept every part of me,' are like 'surrounding yourself with sacred company rather than the nasty chatter in our own minds,' he says. Plus, they encourage growth.

Replace the word should

Ever find yourself 'shoulding' all over yourself? ( Ugh, I should have done this earlier. ) It’s a common form of self-criticism, one that’s not exactly self-compassionate, says Dr. Lakshmin. Try subbing for your shoulds anything that fosters curiosity ( Could I have chosen to do X instead? Or: I wonder what held me back most this week? ). Curiosity is kinder and more productive than shoulding, she says.

How practicing self-esteem can boost your confidence

'Loving yourself is the first step in boosting your confidence,' says Patel. 'If you don't love yourself, feelings of insecurity and inadequacy will creep up and your self-confidence will lower,' she explains.

Additionally, practicing self-esteem can build up your sense of self-worth, says Gasperoni. Acknowledge your strengths, take pride in your accomplishments, and give yourself room to fail, she explains. 'Self-esteem is the cornerstone of confidence.'

More empowering relationship stories..

• 'I tried a "delusion week" to become the most confident version of myself'
• Dr. Tara advises how one divorcee can rediscover her sexual confidence after 20 years of marriage
• Do injectables really boost self confidence?

Relationships

What acts of service love language really means

11 signs you're in a 'situationship'

6 times you should start going to couples therapy

How to keep jealousy from ruining a relationship

Signs your partner is emotionally cheating on you

What is micro-cheating? How should I handle it?

Read this if you want to boost your confidence

Do age gaps increase women's sexual satisfaction?

What it means to be in a sexless relationship

18 signs you’re in an unhappy relationship

Honeymoon phase over? Don't fret—help is here

Self-Esteem

Experiencing low self-esteem here's an overlooked antidote, a focus on attaining success obscures the value in pursuing success..

Posted June 1, 2024 | Reviewed by Hara Estroff Marano

• What Is Self-Esteem?
• Find a therapist near me
• Immediate gratification often undermines the slow benefits of mentoring.
• Mentoring fosters self-esteem through validation and positive reinforcement.
• Challenges and guidance from mentors build resilience and confidence.
• Mentors provide perspective, helping mentees realize their potential and navigate setbacks.

Immediate success and tangible achievements are addictive. We’ve been condititoned to want good things and get them now—our Amazon packages, engagement on our social media posts, and responses to our text messages. Everything’s become immediate, and that has a cost. We’ve focused more on attaining success and less on pursuing success. The immediate gratification has overshadowed the need for the ever-evolving and slow-marinating goodness of guidance from others, specifically mentoring.

The profound impact of being mentored on self-esteem and overall personal growth cannot be overstated. Research has shown that nine out of 10 employees who have a mentor are happier and more productive in their careers than those who do not. Mentoring is no longer a luxury; it has become a necessity for those wish to advance in their careers.

The Foundation of Self-Esteem

Self-esteem reflects how we perceive ourselves and dictates how we interact with the world around us. It is the foundation upon which we build our confidence, resilience , and ability to take on challenges. Yet, many individuals struggle with low self-esteem, often stemming from past experiences, societal pressures, or a lack of positive reinforcement.

Enter Mentoring

Mentoring is not merely a transfer of knowledge from a more experienced individual to a less experienced one. It is a dynamic, reciprocal relationship that fosters growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. A good mentor sees the potential in their mentee, often before the mentee can see it themselves, and works to cultivate that potential through guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. They are part career guide and part cheerleader.

Building Confidence Through Validation

One of the most significant ways mentoring boosts self-esteem is through validation. A mentor holds up a metaphorical mirror to the mentee and acknowledges the mentee's strengths and accomplishments, offering genuine praise and support. They don’t just recognize the achievement, they honor the journey it took to get there. This validation helps mentees to see their worth and capabilities more clearly, counteracting the negative self-talk that often accompanies low self-esteem.

For instance, when a mentor provides positive reinforcement for a job well done, it reinforces the mentee's belief in their abilities. Such reinforcement is crucial for developing self-confidence , as it helps individuals internalize their successes and view themselves as competent and capable.

Encouraging Growth Through Challenges

Learning begins where comfort ends. A mentor plays a pivotal role in pushing mentees out of their comfort zones. While this might seem counterintuitive to building self-esteem, it is through overcoming challenges and achieving goals that individuals develop a sense of accomplishment and resilience. When a mentor challenges their mentee to take on new responsibilities, stretch to accomplish assignments, or tackle difficult projects, they essentially say, "I believe in you." This belief can be incredibly empowering.

Moreover, navigating challenges with the support of a mentor provides a much needed gutter rail. Knowing that someone is there to guide and advise instills a sense of security, allowing mentees to take strategic risks they might otherwise avoid. Successfully navigating such challenges leads to a stronger sense of self and greater confidence in one's abilities.

The Power of Perspective

Sometimes we are so deep inside the jar we can’t read the label. When you are in the weeds, the mentor has the 60,000-foot view and can offer perspective that can help a mentee reframe their thinking. When a mentee encounters setbacks or failures, a mentor can provide a broader view, helping the mentee to see the experiences as learning opportunities rather than reflections of inadequacies. Such a shift in perspective is vital for maintaining and building self-esteem, as it fosters a growth mindset and reduces the fear of failure.

Realizing Potential

Sometimes, we don’t know how good we are or how good we can be. Ultimately, the goal of mentoring is to help individuals realize their full potential. Mentors open doors that mentees didn’t know exist. The realization is deeply tied to self-esteem. When mentees begin to see themselves through the eyes of their mentors—as capable, talented, and valuable—they start to believe it themselves. The belief is the cornerstone of self-esteem and the driving force behind personal and professional growth.

Mentoring is a powerful tool for boosting self-esteem and helping individuals to realize their potential. Through validation, encouragement, perspective, and challenges, mentors can help mentees build confidence, resilience, and a positive self-image . As we continue to navigate the complexities of our modern world, the role of mentors in fostering self-esteem and personal growth remains as crucial as ever.

Ruth Gotian, Ed.D., an assistant professor of education at Weill Cornell Medical College, is the author of The Success Factor.

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Online Therapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Self Tests NEW
• Therapy Center
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

• Emotional Intelligence
• Gaslighting
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

START YOUR ECOMMERCE BUSINESS FOR JUST $1

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content

A magazine for young entrepreneurs

The best advice in entrepreneurship

Subscribe for exclusive access, how to be confident: 8 data-backed ways to overcome imposter syndrome.

Written by Mary Kate Miller | September 22, 2023

Comments -->

Get real-time frameworks, tools, and inspiration to start and build your business. Subscribe here

Looking to build confidence? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking to overcome low confidence for an overall sense of well-being or for something specific, like acing a job interview, there are a variety of ways to boost your confidence .

Read on for science-backed strategies to help you overcome self-confidence issues and cultivate a strong sense of self-assurance.

The Effects of Confidence

The effects of confidence on job performance and competency can be difficult to measure because, surprise, people with higher-self esteem tend to rate their attractiveness, likability, and job performance higher than those with lower-self esteem. Yet, lab studies have failed to show that high-self esteem causes better task performance.

That said, there are some correlative benefits that make confidence a worthwhile pursuit. Confidence and high-self esteem have a strong relation to happiness, and happiness can help ward off and prevent burnout. So while confidence can’t directly prevent burnout, it can be a useful tool in maintaining healthy work-related energy levels.

Confidence can also boost your initiative. People with higher self-esteem are more likely to speak up in groups and to contradict the group’s approach. This can be beneficial when it’s necessary to bring another perspective that the group has not yet considered, but it’s important to consider that the willingness to contradict the group doesn’t necessarily mean you’re right.

This is related to another side effect of confidence: People with higher confidence levels are also more prone to confirmation bias , the tendency to accept new information that confirms already-held beliefs and reject new information that contradicts those beliefs. It makes sense that people who feel confident would also be confident in their beliefs.

If you’re committed to growing and coming from an informed place of confidence, rather than confidence for confidence’s sake, then this confirmation bias is unlikely to limit your growth because you’re doing the work of continuing to educate yourself (and continuing to learn, in turn, is one practice that will build confidence).

A Note on Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome describes the feeling of “not being good enough” in a given work environment. The term was coined in 1978 when women and People of Color entered the workplace to find very real hostilities. Over the years women especially have been said to suffer from imposter syndrome at higher rates. Recently, some have also pointed to the fact that imposter syndrome may actually reflect a recognition of unequal treatment in the workplace. This is to say that “changing your mindset” may not be the biggest challenge… but, since it’s something that you can more easily control, we’re going to give you the tools for how to do that.

Imposter syndrome also took a pretty common feeling—anxiety and worry about performance—and pathologized it. Which is to say, almost everybody feels it at some time or the other. Knowing that this is a pretty common experience may help you move through it faster.

And if you’re struggling with low confidence, there are many ways to help you overcome insecurity and feel more comfortable.

Don’t Skip:  Dr. Adam Bandelli’s Five Cs of Building Trust

How to Build Confidence

Social science has given us at least 8 data-backed ways to build confidence. Whether you’re looking to find success—or to just be able to enjoy it more when you achieve it—these tips will have you feeling more self-assured in no time.

1. Embrace a Confidence-Inspiring Wardrobe

How you dress might affect your self-confidence and your job performance. In a study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science , participants in casual clothing were outperformed by those who wore formal clothing when performing a series of tasks. This was especially true when it came to creative and organizational problems. Not only were the formally dressed participants more confident but they also demonstrated more focus.

If you’re having a hard time getting your creative juices flowing or you’re facing a high-pressure situation at work, try dressing up for the occasion. You’ll likely experience a confidence boost and you may even find that you’re able to complete the task at hand more easily.

2. Set Some Goals

Goal-setting can lead to higher self-esteem, confidence, autonomy, and increased motivation, according to a 2006 study . Without goals, we can feel directionless and at times listless. Setting some goals can help guide you towards a specific path with specific, planned outcomes. Not only does this have the benefit of guiding your work, but it can also be easier to identify your successes, which in turn can help increase overall confidence.

3. Take Action

According to psychotherapist Amy Morin , the biggest mistake people make is to expect confidence to come first. She suggests that many of the people she works with would be better served by taking action first and seeing if the confidence follows. If you’re suffering from low confidence, it can be especially challenging to take a risk—but if you’re serious about overcoming these negative feelings, then do something. Try your hand at painting. Start the business or side hustle you’ve been dreaming of for years. Do the thing you think you would do if you felt confident. You might be surprised how confident it makes you feel.

So… what would you do if you felt more confident? Go do it. If you don’t know how to do it, find a class. Virtual learning has made developing new skills and proficiencies easier than ever. Many entrepreneurs have taken our Start Your Side Hustle mini-course to learn the ropes. The free course was just what they needed to build the knowledge base to help them start their business with confidence. Sometimes, it doesn’t take a lot. It just takes a step. Take the step.

4. Think Positive

Positive thinking can help you build greater self-confidence. The Mayo Clinic recommends these strategies for cultivating positive thoughts:

• Practice hopeful statements.
• Forgive yourself.
• Avoid statements that use the word “should” or “must.”
• Consider what you’ve learned.
• Rename negative thoughts.
• Encourage yourself (You’re working hard. Give yourself a little credit!)
• Look for the silver linings.

Some of us have a tendency toward negative thinking because it “feels true” but the truth is that it’s often a skewed version of reality. Often a negative thought can just be a limiting belief in disguise. Make a concerted effort to reframe negative thoughts in a positive way. You might be surprised by the confidence that follows.

5. Try Meditation

Meditation, the practice of quieting the mind, has been shown to ease anxiety, help manage your inner critic, and promote overall well-being. It can also help with building confidence. A study at Stanford found that participants who engaged in meditation by directing their attention to their senses in various activities (lying down, breathing, walking) experienced a reduction in anxiety. They also tended to think of themselves more positively.

It’s never been easier to start a meditation practice. Apps like Headspace and Calm can help you retrain your brain through daily meditation. You can start with shorter meditations and work your way up. There are meditations specifically geared toward different situations in life, so whether you want to overcome shyness, social anxiety, fear, or if you just want help being a bit more present, there’s likely a meditation for that.

6. Change Your Posture

The way you hold your body may affect your confidence. While power postures are one of the more controversial topics in confidence-related behavioral science, there is continued evidence that your body posture may contribute to the level of confidence you feel.

So what kind of postures make you feel more confident? Expansive postures , those where you allow your body to take up space. Stand with your feet on the ground in an open, wide stance. Roll your shoulders back and allow your arms to remain loose, instead of crossing them. Keep your hands out of your pockets. Make eye contact.

You may have noticed that many of these confidence-related poses are primally vulnerable. In a very physical sense, the front of our bodies is where we are most vulnerable. There’s a reason Brené Brown , renowned vulnerability expert, often repeats the words. “Strong back, soft front, wild heart.” Confidence and vulnerability have a connection here, in that vulnerability is necessary for confidence. Confidence, in turn, can also make you more comfortable with vulnerability.

7. Invest in Your Relationships

Have you ever noticed that people who have a support network of strong relationships tend to exhibit more confidence? Well, that’s because they are. It turns out that the reverse is also true: strong relationships make you more confident and confidence can lead to stronger relationships.

After analyzing more than two decades of research, the American Psychological Association found that positive relationships can contribute to confidence, and vice versa. According to the authors of the study, “The reciprocal link between self-esteem and social relationships implies that the effects of a positive feedback loop accumulate over time and could be substantial as people go through life.”

So if you’ve been struggling with confidence recently, you might benefit from taking some time to invest in the other relationships in your life. This is part of the ever-important work-life balance. Sometimes, the answer to feeling more confident at work is to spend your energy investing in your personal relationships.

8. Get a Business Coach

Do you remember a time as a kid when a teacher, instructor, tutor, or coach helped you overcome a challenge?

If yes, it’s because they had the experience and understanding of who you are to give you the confidence to move forward. So, if we surrounded ourselves as adolescents with people invested in our success, why don’t we as adults?

80% of people who have business coaches showed increased self-confidence. That’s why having a business coach is becoming a norm for executives and founders.

A business coach will give you an external perspective on the challenges you face as a founder and encourage you to make healthy decisions for yourself and your business.

Instead of feeling isolated, you’ll feel like you have a trusted mentor in your corner.

Keep Learning:  5 Reasons Why You Need a Business Coach

It Gets Easier

Some of the ways you can build confidence have reinforcing feedback loops. Positive affirmations can help you feel more overall confidence, which in turn makes it easier to find positive thoughts. Strong relationships build confidence, which builds strong relationships.

The good news is that as you begin your confidence-building practice, it will get easier. Even if you don’t see seismic gains at the beginning, keep going. True self-confidence is built over time through practice.

If you’re looking to learn from the best to build your confidence, explore foundr+ where you’ll have access to world-renowned entrepreneurs who’ve been in your shoes.

About Mary Kate Miller

Mary Kate Miller writes about small business, real estate, and finance. In addition to writing for Foundr, her work has been published by The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Bustle, and more. She lives in Chicago.

Related Posts

How Zeb Evans Built ClickUp from Life-Threatening Moments — Exclusive

Simon Sinek: Who’s the Man Behind the Personal Brand?

What Do You Learn in Business School? (Behind the Scenes Look)

What Is the 80/20 Rule? A Guide to Saving Time and Money.

The Best Business Networking Apps for You

4 Science-Backed Goal Setting Strategies to Grow Your Business

How to Monetize a Personal Brand with Brand Builders Group’s Rory Vaden

How to Build a Personal Brand to Skyrocket Your Business

Single Tasking: How to Improve Your Focus and Productivity

Why ‘Dormant’ Connections May Be the Most Powerful Network You Have

CEO Nathan Chan Reflects on the 10th Anniversary of Foundr

Analog Methods For Getting Things Done—Superpower Your Productivity With Pen and Paper

5 Reasons Why You Need a Business Coach

How To Be A Better Public Speaker

Jennifer Cohen: You Need Boldness to Build a Business

FREE TRAINING FROM LEGIT FOUNDERS

Actionable Strategies for Starting & Growing Any Business.

Don't Miss Out! Get Instant Access to foundr+ for Just $1!

1000+ lessons. customized learning. 30,000+ strong community..

Raising low self-esteem

We all have times when we lack confidence and do not feel good about ourselves.

But when low self-esteem becomes a long-term problem, it can have a harmful effect on our mental health and our day-to-day lives.

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is the opinion we have of ourselves.

When we have healthy self-esteem, we tend to feel positive about ourselves and about life in general. It makes us better able to deal with life's ups and downs.

When our self-esteem is low, we tend to see ourselves and our life in a more negative and critical light. We also feel less able to take on the challenges that life throws at us.

What causes low self-esteem?

Low self-esteem often begins in childhood. Our teachers, friends, siblings, parents, and even the media send us positive and negative messages about ourselves. 

For some reason, the message that you are not good enough is the one that stays with you.

Perhaps you found it difficult to live up to other people's expectations of you, or to your own expectations.

Stress and difficult life events, such as serious illness or a bereavement , can have a negative effect on self-esteem.

Personality can also play a part. Some people are just more prone to negative thinking, while others set impossibly high standards for themselves.

How does low self-esteem affect us?

If you have low self-esteem or confidence, you may hide yourself away from social situations, stop trying new things, and avoid things you find challenging.

In the short term, avoiding challenging and difficult situations might make you feel safe.

In the longer term, this can backfire because it reinforces your underlying doubts and fears. It teaches you the unhelpful rule that the only way to cope is by avoiding things.

Living with low self-esteem can harm your mental health and lead to problems such as depression  and anxiety .

You may also develop unhelpful habits, such as smoking and drinking too much, as a way of coping.

How to have healthy self-esteem

To boost your self-esteem, you need to identify the negative beliefs you have about yourself, then challenge them.

You may tell yourself you're "too stupid" to apply for a new job, for example, or that "nobody cares" about you.

Start to note these negative thoughts and write them on a piece of paper or in a diary. Ask yourself when you first started to think these thoughts.

Next, start to write some evidence that challenges these negative beliefs, such as, "I'm really good at cryptic crosswords" or "My sister calls for a chat every week".

Write down other positive things about yourself, such as "I'm thoughtful" or "I'm a great cook" or "I'm someone that others trust".

Also write some good things that other people say about you.

Aim to have at least 5 positive things on your list and add to it regularly. Then put your list somewhere you can see it. That way, you can keep reminding yourself that you're OK.

You might have low confidence now because of what happened when you were growing up, but we can grow and develop new ways of seeing ourselves at any age.

Other ways to improve low self-esteem

Here are some other simple techniques that may help you feel better about yourself.

Recognise what you're good at 

We're all good at something, whether it's cooking, singing, doing puzzles or being a friend. We also tend to enjoy doing the things we're good at, which can help boost your mood.

Build positive relationships

If you find certain people tend to bring you down, try to spend less time with them, or tell them how you feel about their words or actions.

Try to build relationships with people who are positive and who appreciate you.

Be kind to yourself

Being kind to yourself means being gentle to yourself at times when you feel like being self-critical.

Think what you'd say to a friend in a similar situation. We often give far better advice to others than we do to ourselves.

Learn to be assertive

Being assertive is about respecting other people's opinions and needs, and expecting the same from them.

One trick is to look at other people who act assertively and copy what they do.

It's not about pretending you're someone you're not. It's picking up hints and tips from people you admire and letting the real you come out.

Start saying "no"

People with low self-esteem often feel they have to say yes to other people, even when they do not really want to.

The risk is that you become overburdened, resentful, angry and depressed.

For the most part, saying no does not upset relationships. It can be helpful to keep saying no, but in different ways, until they get the message.

Give yourself a challenge

We all feel nervous or afraid to do things at times. But people with healthy self-esteem do not let these feelings stop them trying new things or taking on challenges.

Set yourself a goal, such as joining an exercise class or going to a social occasion. Achieving your goals will help to increase your self-esteem.

Where to find help for low self-esteem

Talking therapies like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help.

You can refer yourself for talking therapies on the NHS.

If you prefer, you can talk to a GP first and they can refer you.

You could also find a private therapist. Make sure they're registered with a professional body.

Audio: Unhelpful thinking

In this audio guide, a doctor helps you to replace negative thoughts with more positive thinking.

Visit healthtalk.org to hear young people talking about their experiences of low self-esteem

Video: Talking therapies for stress, anxiety and depression

Animated video explaining self-referral to talking therapies services for stress, anxiety or depression.

Page last reviewed: 11 April 2023 Next review due: 11 April 2026

• Growth & Development
• Play & Activities
• Life Skills
• Play & Learning
• Learning & Education
• Rhymes & Songs
• Preschool Locator

Essay On Self Confidence – 10 Lines, Short And Long Essay For Kids

Key Points To Remember When An Writing Essay On Self Confidence For Lower Primary Classes

10 lines on self confidence for kids, a paragraph on self confidence for children, short essay on self confidence for kids, long essay on self confidence for children, what will your child learn from an essay on self confidence.

Schools usually teach the knowledge, discipline, and manners that are helpful to children in leading their life. However, self-confidence is not something someone can teach, as it should develop inside of a person. One simple and easy way in which a parent can improve their kid’s self-confidence is by making them write an essay on self-confidence in English. Self-confidence is one of the most vital qualities your kid should develop, increasing their courage and positivity. It is also a key to success which helps your kid to be more independent and optimistic in life. Essay writing is a good start for children as it increases their creativity, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Check out this essay on self-confidence for classes 1, 2, and 3 that introduces your kid to the value of self-confidence in an easy manner.

Below are some tips to consider while writing an essay on self-confidence for lower primary kids from grades 1, 2, 3, and above. These crucial points will assist in solving your kid’s doubts regarding how to write about self-confidence.

• Firstly, ensure you have the basic idea about self-confidence and its importance.
• Mention what self-confidence is and how it will be helpful in your life.
• Highlight the advantages of being confident in one’s life.
• Point out how self-confidence can help you achieve your life goals and dreams.
• Mention your inspirational person or quote that helps in boosting your self-confidence.
• Conclude the essay on a positive note and try to include stories or real-life examples in the essay.

For writing the best essay that stands out, students can refer to these few lines on self-confidence that increase their confidence levels and provides the freedom from doubting themselves. Kids can also include these essential lines in an essay for classes 1 and 2 students.

• Self-confidence helps in having a broad mindset and positive thoughts in life.
• It helps in improving courage and getting rid of fear in life.
• Fearlessness and freedom from doubting one’s abilities can make an average person attain success and reach greater heights.
• Self-confidence helps to face the biggest ever challenges and problems in life without any other person’s support.
• A person with self-confidence achieves life goals with incredible speed and enthusiasm.
• Self-confidence allows one to be a better person in any phase of life.
• It improves positive qualities like optimism, kindness, passion, love, etc., and helps you eliminate negative thoughts.
• Self-confidence is the starting step to conquering success and achieving respect in any field of life.
• Self-confidence gives you a unique personality and character.
• A self-confident person knows the difference between being confident and overconfident. They also have self-love and possess faith in themselves even when no one believes in them.

Self-confidence is considered one of the main qualities a person should possess to live a better and happy life in a world of chaos. It means having belief and faith in one’s abilities and strengths. Refer to this paragraph below that helps write the best essay for students.

People having self-confidence are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They set realistic expectations in their life and achieves them more quickly than others. They are eager and passionate about their work and fill the entire room with positivity and cheerfulness. They do not need any person in supervision to complete the tasks and achieve their dreams. They have a positive attitude and work for their goals both in hard and smart ways. They also make mistakes and get the failure but believe in getting up and bouncing back at double speed every time they fall and finally achieve unbelievable successes in life.

Self-confidence is a trait to be developed from a very early age. Check out this short essay for classes 1, 2 and 3 students. This essay will introduce your kid to self-confidence and make them realise their strengths and weaknesses at a very young age.

One of the first things one notices in a person is the way a person speaks and carries themselves. And one of the determining factors is the self-confidence of that person. Self-confidence makes you hope for the best and prepare for the worst situations. You can eventually be self-confident by saying positive words and affirmations daily to yourself. Self-confidence takes you to places which seemed impossible before. It gives you self-motivation, passion, and strength to achieve anything and everything in life. It’s not that self-confident people can never experience failures in their life. But from every failure, they gain experience and learn something valuable essential for their final success. Self-confidence also improves how a person expresses themselves and helps them stand for their values and beliefs. Another way a person can gain self-confidence is through abundant knowledge and books. So, be the best version of yourself by keeping your self-confidence high.

Short essays are helpful to elementary and lower primary students. With upgrading to higher grades and exposure to in-depth knowledge, students need to focus on long essays and paragraphs, which helps them to write the best essay compared to others. This long essay for class 3 students can also be useful to children from grades 4, 5, 6, and above.

What Is Self Confidence?

Self-confidence is the essential quality that helps any person to accomplish the impossible and reach greater heights in life. It helps to become a better person every day by improving vital skills in life like communication, leadership, teamwork, discipline, etc. It acts as a defence shield against criticisms from other people and helps to build a better career and be successful in life.

Benefits Of Self-Confidence

Self-confidence attracts positivity and repels any negativity. It improves a positive attitude and optimistic mindset. It helps your kid to know the importance of self-love, self-care and self-belief. It is also helpful for your kid in building healthy relationships and friendships that matter the most.

How Self Confidence Is The Key To Success

Successful people are not who don’t fail but those who don’t give up on a small failure. Self-confidence boosts a person’s ‘never give up’ attitude and helps them easily accomplish even the more challenging tasks. With this never give up attitude and positive mindset, kids can pass every difficulty in life.

How To Boost Self Confidence?

Having self-confidence is the best thing a person can have. But sometimes, people have a hard time possessing it. To boost self-confidence and improve the best mindset, one can talk positively to themselves, practice mediation, have a calm mind, do not overthink, stop doubting oneself, and follow any inspirational person they admire.

Besides developing self-confidence and practising it, your kid will learn how to improve their thought process and give structure to their vocabulary. Through this, they will learn new words, pronunciations, grammar, and various valuable skills. They will now perform their everyday tasks with improved confidence levels and courage.

1. How Is Self Confidence Different From Self Esteem?

While self-confidence is having faith in oneself, self-esteem refers to self-respect, which is the overall opinion of oneself. People with healthy self-esteem respect themselves and others and are not afraid to voice their views and ideas.

2. What Happens If You Don’t Have Self-Confidence?

Without self-confidence, you will lose hope and faith in yourself. Every situation and the task appears to be difficult, and life will eventually fall into a sorrowful pit.

This essay on self-confidence will improve kids’ writing skills and vocabulary. Students also learn how to form a sentence, creating a meaningful essay.

Good Manners Essay for Class 1, 2 and 3 Kids Essay On Hardwork in English for Children How to Write An Essay On Value of Time for Kids

• Essays for Class 1
• Essays for Class 2
• Essays for Class 3

How To Make A Paper Plate Submarine?

S.t.e.m-based shows that are good for kids, low-stimulation shows to keep your kid busy (for when you need a break), leave a reply cancel reply.

Log in to leave a comment

Most Popular

Diy water pistol painting, jellyfish salt painting, recent comments.

FirstCry Intelli Education is an Early Learning brand, with products and services designed by educators with decades of experience, to equip children with skills that will help them succeed in the world of tomorrow.

The FirstCry Intellikit `Learn With Stories` kits for ages 2-6 brings home classic children`s stories, as well as fun activities, specially created by our Early Learning Educators.

For children 6 years and up, explore a world of STEAM learning, while engaging in project-based play to keep growing minds busy!

Build a love for reading through engaging book sets and get the latest in brain-boosting toys, recommended by the educators at FirstCry Intellitots.

Our Comprehensive 2-year Baby Brain Development Program brings to you doctor-approved toys for your baby`s developing brain.

Our Preschool Chain offers the best in education across India, for children ages 2 and up.

©2024 All rights reserved

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Welcome to the world of Intelli!

We have some FREE Activity E-books waiting for you. Fill in your details below so we can send you tailor- made activities for you and your little one.

Parent/Guardian's Name

Child's DOB

What would you like to receive other than your Free E-book? I would like information, discounts and offers on toys, books and products I want to find a FirstCry Intellitots Preschool near me I want access to resources for my child's development and/or education

Welcome to the world of intelli!

FREE guides and worksheets coming your way on whatsapp. Subscribe Below !!

THANK YOU!!!

Here are your free guides and worksheets.

Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

Self-esteem and mental health

8-minute read

Share via email

There is a total of 5 error s on this form, details are below.

• Please enter your name
• Please enter your email
• Your email is invalid. Please check and try again
• Please enter recipient's email
• Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again
• Agree to Terms required

Error: This is required

Error: Not a valid value

• While we all criticise ourselves from time to time, if you often think badly about yourself you may have low self-esteem.
• Low self-esteem may be caused by experiences in early childhood, such as bullying or neglect.
• If you have low self-esteem, you may have difficulty with relationships and problems at work or school.
• You can improve your self-esteem by challenging negative thoughts and celebrating your achievements.

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is the way we think about ourselves and the value we place on ourselves.

We all criticise ourselves from time to time, but if you often think badly about yourself or judge yourself negatively, you may have low self-esteem.

Self-esteem is different to self-confidence. Confidence relates to a person’s ability in a particular area of their life. It is normal to feel confident in some areas and less so in others.

What are the signs of low self-esteem?

Signs of low self-esteem include if you:

• say negative things and are critical about yourself
• focus on your negatives and ignore your achievements
• think other people are better than you
• think you don’t deserve to have fun
• don’t accept compliments
• avoid challenges for fear of failing
• find it difficult to make friends

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes low self-esteem?

Your self-esteem can be affected by factors such as:

• your confidence — not feeling secure in yourself and in your life
• your identity — you may have doubts about your gender, sexuality or body
• your sense of belonging — feeling like you don’t belong with family, friends or at work

Low self-esteem may stem from experiences in childhood or adolescence such as:

• being bullied or not fitting in at school
• not receiving support from your parents
• being neglected or abused
• comparing yourself to others on social media
• performing poorly at school
• stressful life events such as divorce or moving home
• chronic medical problems

What are the effects of low self-esteem?

If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). For help and support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you have low self-esteem, you may:

• have difficulty with relationships
• feel sad, depressed , anxious , ashamed, angry or worthless
• have low motivation
• struggle to cope with difficulties in your life
• feel insecure
• avoid activities where you may be judged by other people

Young people with low self-esteem may:

• use alcohol or drugs to feel better or to fit in
• have poor body image
• engage in sexual activity earlier than their peers

Low self-esteem may also be associated with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, antisocial behaviour, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

How can I improve my self-esteem?

To improve your self-esteem, try these new ways of thinking:

• Focus on things you are good at — What are your strengths , abilities and achievements?
• Celebrate the small things — Give yourself a pat on the back when you achieve something.
• Challenge your negative thinking — Make an effort to be kind to yourself and take notice when you are thinking negatively about yourself.
• Focus on what you can change — Don’t worry about things you can’t change.
• Stop beating yourself up about mistakes — Everyone makes mistakes.

Here are some practical things you can do to make you feel better about yourself:

• Do things you enjoy — It’s easier to be positive when you are doing things you like.
• Spend time with people who don’t bring you down.
• Get some exercise.
• Be helpful to other people.

When should I see my doctor?

If your low self-esteem doesn’t improve and is affecting your day-to-day activities, it’s important to seek help. You can talk to your doctor or a mental health professional such as a psychologist .

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Resources and support

If you’d like to find out more or talk to someone else, here are some organisations that can help:

• Head to Health — for advice and to get connected to local mental health services, you can call 1800 595 212. Check the operating times .
• MindSpot — for anyone suffering from anxiety or depression, call 1800 61 44 34.
• Beyond Blue — for anyone feeling depressed or anxious, call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
• Lifeline — for anyone experiencing a crisis or thinking about suicide, call 13 11 14 or chat online.
• Suicide Call Back Service — for anyone thinking about suicide, call 1300 659 467.
• MensLine Australia — telephone and online counselling for men call 1300 78 99 78.
• Kids Helpline — telephone and online counselling for ages 5 to 25 call 1800 55 1800.
• ReachOut — for online mental health services for young people and their parents.
• Headspace — for mental health information, group chat and online communities.
• SANE Australia — for mental health information, peer support and counselling support.
• Black Dog Institute — online help for people affected by depression and extreme mood swings.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

• SANE offers a range of support services including a free translating and interpreting service available on 131 450.
• Transcultural Mental Health Centre has many resources about wellbeing and mental health in different languages .
• Beyond Blue has translated mental health resources .

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• Yarn Safe and Wellmob have mental health information and resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content .

Last reviewed: February 2024

Related pages

• Feeling worthless

Search our site for

• Mental health

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Self-esteem & confidence for children | Raising Children Network

Self-esteem is feeling good about yourself. It helps children try new things, take healthy risks and learn. Read about fostering self-esteem in your child.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

10 tips for improving your self esteem | Confidence | ReachOut Australia

Are you wondering how to improve your self-esteem? Check out our tips for improving self-esteem.

Read more on ReachOut.com website

Self-esteem in children

Learn ways to help build your child's self-esteem so they grow into happy, confident and well-adjusted teenagers, who cope well with life.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Self esteem - Better Health Channel

Low self-esteem can be remedied but it takes attention and daily practice.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Self esteem — TINO : Tune In Not Out

Self esteem - It's normal to feel a bit down on ourselves from time to time, but if it hangs around that's not healthy

Read more on Tune In Not Out website

What they wish you knew about self-esteem - ReachOut Parents

Young people share their stories about their self-esteem as a teenager. Watch teenage low self esteem stories/videos here.

Positive body image and self-esteem | Limbs 4 Kids

Positive body image and self-esteem Your body image perception or how you view your physical self is an important indicator of your self-esteem

Read more on Limbs 4 Kids website

Things to try: Self-esteem - ReachOut Parents

Top tips on what you can do to help your teenager build positive self-esteem.

Self-Esteem Self-Help Resources - Information Sheets & Workbooks

Self-help resources for addressing low self-esteem, written by clinical psychologists at the Centre for Clinical Interventions in Perth, Western Australia

Read more on Centre for Clinical Interventions website

Help your teenager build positive self-esteem - ReachOut Parents

Building positive self-esteem in your teenager is essential. ReachOut Parents provides practical steps and strategies for parents to try with their teenagers to help with building self-esteem.

Self-worth - a QLife guide for health professionals

For a long time in Australia, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people have been actively and passively excluded from many aspects of social, cultural, occupational, religious and family life.

Read more on QLife website

Self-help for anxiety disorders | Cochrane

Authors' conclusions:  Self-help may be useful for people who are not able or are not willing to use other services for people with anxiety disorders; for people who can access it, face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy is probably clinically superior

Read more on Cochrane Australia website

RACGP - White Book - Trauma-informed care in general practice

Reproduced with permission from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Read more on RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners website

Relaxation for perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms | Cochrane

Authors' conclusions:  Evidence is insufficient to show the effectiveness of relaxation techniques as treatment for menopausal vasomotor symptoms, or to determine whether this treatment is more effective than no treatment, placebo, acupuncture, superficial needle insertion or paced respiration

e-Mental Health: what you need to know

Read more on Black Dog Institute website

RACGP - Medical management of glycaemia

Reproduced with permission from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. In addition to lifestyle modification, most people with type 2 diabetes will eventually require pharmacotherapy to achieve long-term glycaemic control and to prevent complications of diabetes.

Depression is a mood state that is characterised by significantly lowered mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that are normally enjoyable. Such depressed mood is a common and normal experience in the population. However, a major depressive episode can be distinguished from this `normal’ depression by its severity, persistence, duration, and the presence of characteristic symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbances).

Read more on CRUfAD – Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression website

Recognising and Responding to Elder Abuse | Ausmed

Any person receiving care - regardless of age, gender or disability - should be able to access support without experiencing (or fearing) violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation or discrimination. Abusive behaviour of any kind towards older adults is a violation of basic human rights.

Read more on Ausmed Education website

Endometriosis | Ausmed

The cause of endometriosis is not entirely clear. The dominant theory is that during menstruation, menstrual tissue (comparable to lining in the womb) passes back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis, where it attaches and grows.

Prevention of falls and fractures - Australasian Menopause Society

Prevention of falls and fractures

Read more on Australasian Menopause Society website

Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited

Support for this browser is being discontinued

Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site

• Internet Explorer 11 and lower

We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:

• Chrome by Google
• Firefox by Mozilla
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari by Apple

You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.