Definition:

Self-esteem is essentially a feeling we have about ourselves. It is the recognition of ones qualities and abilities including values, goals, talents, worth, physical make up and purpose in life.

TYPES OF SELF- ESTEEM

High self-esteem: an individual who possesses high self-esteem is aware of his or her strengths and skills. Consequently, he or she can recognise successes and achievements. He or she responds confidently to challenges and problems as well as practise positive thinking

Low self-esteem: here the individual experiences feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, helplessness and worthlessness. The individual believes he or she cannot improve he or her situation.

INFLUENCING FACTORS OF SELF – ESTEEM

Some influencing factors of self-esteem are:

  1. Family
  2. Societal norms
  3. Gender
  4. Mass media
  5. Culture
  6. Religious doctrines
  7. Environment
  8. Individual achievement and economic background

CHARASTERISTICS OF HIGH SELF- ESTEEM

Some characteristics of high self-esteem include:

  1. Belief in oneself and self-confidence
  2. Acceptance of one’s weakness and strengths
  3. Respect for self and others
  4. Trust for self
  5. Decision making based on the feelings of right or wrong
  6. Ability to face challenges, make decisions and cope with the challenges

CHARASTERISTICS OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM

Some characteristics of low self-esteem include:

  1. Lack of self-confidence
  2. Inability to express one’s feelings and opinion
  3. Inability to accept oneself
  4. Feeling dislike and unwanted
  5. Blaming others for one’s failure
  6. Easily influenced by others
  7. Always wanting to please other people

IMPLICATION OF HIGH SELF-ESTEEM

Some implications of high self-esteem include:

  1. It influences the way others feel about us
  2. Increases self confidence
  3. Promotes self-satisfaction
  4. Enhances ability to cope with challenges
  5. Encourages believing in other people
  6. Enhances objectivity

IMPLICATION OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM

Some implications of low self-esteem include:

  1. It builds negative attitude towards life and others
  2. It creates lack of confidence
  3. It creates inability to make decisions
  4. It makes a person feels disliked and unwanted
  5. It makes a person avoid new experiences
  6. It creates a feeling of distrust, suspicion and pettiness
  7. It makes the person to always misinterpret the utterances and actions of others
  8. It creates an inability to follow one’s path

IMPROVING YOUR SELF-ESTEEM

For a person to improve his self-esteem, he must:

  1. Accept yourself the way you are
  2. Set realistic goals
  3. Develop your abilities
  4. Identify your strengths and weakness
  5. Cultivate positive relationships
  6. Be please with who you are
  7. Accept and acknowledge compliments
  8. Select realistic role models