Self Esteem

*Self esteem refers to how much you respect yourself and like yourself.

*Self esteem can be placed on a continuum ranging from high to low self esteem.

Self esteem can often fluctuate, especially as a teenager.

Studies indicate that for many, self esteem drops as one goes from elementary school, to intermediate and then to high school.

Why do you think that is?????

How Self-Esteem Develops

• There are basically 3 stages of self esteem:

ChildhoodAdolescenceAdulthood• There are basic fluctuations in the

stages accompanied by other factors that affect self-esteem.

What are some factors that can affect one’s

self esteem?

Some factors that can affect self-esteem

include:• Parents • Friends• Teachers• Coaches• Successes• Attitude

• Media• Affection • Praise• Appearance• Feedback from

others

How is your self How is your self esteem?esteem?

How is your self How is your self esteem?esteem?

Answer yes or no to the following Answer yes or no to the following questions. There are 2 sections with questions. There are 2 sections with 10 questions10 questions Your answers will remain private you Your answers will remain private you keep them.keep them.

1st Section1. Are you easily hurt by criticism?2. Are you very shy or overly aggressive?3. Do you try to hide your feelings from

others?4. Do you try to blame your mistakes on

others?5. Do you find excuses for refusing to

change

6. Do you avoid new experiences?7. Do you fear close relationships?8. Do you continually wish you could

change your physical appearance?9. Are you too modest about personal

successes?10. Are you glad when others fail?

22ndnd Section Section22ndnd Section Section

Now answer the next 10 Now answer the next 10 questionsquestions

2nd section1. Do you accept constructive criticism?2. Are you at ease meeting new people?3. Are you honest and open about your

feelings?4. Do you value your closest

relationships?5. Can you laugh at and learn from your

mistakes?

6. Do you notice and accept changes as they happen?

7. Do you look for and tackle new challenges?

8. Are you confident about your physical appearance?

9. Do you give yourself credit when credit is due?

10. Are you happy when others succeed?

RESULTSAdd up the yes and no answers

in each section

1ST SECTION – THE MORE YES ANSWERS YOU HAVE, THE LOWER YOUR SELF ESTEEM

2ND SECTION – THE MORE YES ANSWERS, THE HIGHER YOUR SELF ESTEEM

Why is important to develop a healthy self

esteem?

People with healthy self esteem:

• Have a positive view of life• Feel capable, lovable, effective• Have confidence• See unpleasant emotions as

temporary problems in a good life• Try new things and take more

chances

People with low self esteem may:

• tend to see the negative side of things

• Feel helpless and full of self doubt• Feel ineffective, worthless,

incompetent, unloved• Hold back, afraid to try new things

Ways to Improve your Self Esteem

• Know strengths and weaknesses• Set ambitious, realistic goals• Don’t be too hard on yourself• Rely on your values• Learn to accept compliments• Look beyond your own concerns• Don’t focus too much on appearances

Self-ActualizationThe process in which people achieve their

full potential

Maslow believed people have an inborn drive to be their best.

To achieve self actualization, 4 basic needs must be met. These needs are referred to as the hierarchy of needs. Maslow believed that you must satisfy your lower level needs first in order to be motivated to satisfy higher level needs.

Hierarchy of Needs• Physical: food, water, sleep• Safety: shelter• Belonging: connect with others people• Esteem: recognition, respect,

appreciation, and attention• Self actualization: your full potential