Self-validating objectives might be replaced with learning goals as a solution. Adopting objectives that are beneficial to both the individual and people around them may reduce the influence of contingent self-esteem.
How Self-Esteem Grows
Maurice Rosenberg and other social learning theorists defined self-esteem in the mid-1960s as a consistent feeling of personal worth that may be tested by self-report testing. This is the definition that is most commonly used in the field. Other psychologists have also used this definition.
Rosenberg proposed that self-esteem is made up of three components: objective self-worth, subjective self-worth, and self-concept. Objective self-worth is what others think of you as determined by external factors such as grades, career options, etc. Subjective self-worth is how you feel about yourself as determined by your internal feelings. Self-concept is how you view yourself compared to others. You can change any of these elements of self-esteem through conscious effort.
In addition to social learning theorists, other psychologists have also contributed to our understanding of self-esteem. Albert Bandura reviewed several studies on self-esteem and socialization conducted between 1965 and 1975 and concluded that parental comments and behaviors are two important factors in determining whether someone has high or low self-esteem. He also suggested that self-esteem can play a role in influencing future behavior.
Eleanor Maccoby and her colleagues developed the concept of identity status. They argued that although children need to develop their own identities separate from their parents, they still want to feel loved and accepted by their parents.
Self-image and self-talk are two important components of self-esteem. People who are successful and optimistic have a good mindset. People who are successful and self-assured have good attitudes. Self-confidence stems from the conviction that one's efforts and talents will enable one to attain a goal. The more you believe you can do something, the more likely you are to achieve success.
High self-esteem leads to a positive outlook on life. It helps people deal with failure and loss in a healthy way. High self-esteem also gives someone the courage to try new things or go after what they want in life.
People with high self-esteem feel good about themselves even when others don't agree with them. They know who they are and what they deserve. Even if circumstances change, people with high self-esteem remain the same inside. They continue to see their strengths and skills as an asset instead of a liability.
People with high self-esteem look for ways to improve themselves. They aren't satisfied with where they are today; they want to become better tomorrow. This constant pursuit to learn new things and grow as a person is how someone builds up their self-esteem over time.
The more you tell yourself you're great, smart, talented, and capable, the more confidence you will feel. This feeling is what defines a strong self-esteem.
Enhancing Your Self-Esteem
There are several things you may do to boost your self-esteem.
You feel comfortable and worthwhile when you regard yourself and have high self-esteem. You have typically favorable interactions with people and are self-assured in your talents. You're also receptive to learning and feedback, which can aid in the acquisition and mastery of new abilities. Finally, you have an appetite for life and a desire to grow.
There are many factors behind having high self-esteem. If you were born into a stable, two-parent household with enough money for food on the table and a roof over your head, you would be likely to have high self-esteem. Of course, there are other factors involved as well. If you were loved and accepted by others, then you would probably also have high self-esteem.
Being born into a poor family where love is not always present or even known, or into an abusive one where violence is the norm, can cause low self-esteem. So can being discriminated against because of the color of your skin, your gender, your class, or your ability. Living in a country where the government is corrupt or lacks respect for its citizens' rights can also affect how you feel about yourself.
Having knowledge about what self-esteem is and why it is important would help you understand whether you have good self-esteem or not.
Research shows that young people today have less self-esteem than previous generations.