Definitions

Different components of self-esteem

Influences of and on self-esteem

How can WE influence young peoples self-esteem

Questions

Self-esteem

“Self-esteem is the evaluation we make and maintain with regard to ourselves, expressed by an attitude of approval or disapproval and indicating the extent to which the individual believes himself to be capable, significant, successful and worthy.” - Coopersmith, 1967 “Self-esteem is the conviction that we are competent and worthy of living.” – Branden, 1969 “Self-esteem is how positively or negatively we feel about ourselves. It is the value we place upon ourselves as a unique and valuable human “being”, rather than a human “doing.” It depends on how well we know ourselves, the extent to which we feel we are accepted, and on our belief that we can exert an influence over other people and the world through our effort and perseverance.” – Morris, 2014

Have a think and on a piece of paper, write down 3 things using 3 words for each:

Who am I?

Where do I belong?

What am I capable of?

There are different components to the concept of self-esteem:

Sense of self – identity, who am I?

Sense of belonging – where do I fit in?

Sense of personal power – what am I capable of?

Sound self-esteem

Low self-esteem

Resilient

Capable

Take up new challenges

Optimistic about life

Able to overcome difficulties in life

Tackle new concepts

Difficulty learning -

withdraw Fearful of new challenges Overpowered by bullying

behaviours Anxiety around social

relationships – teachers and peers

Not taking new risks Develop challenging

behaviour

What causes low self-esteem?

Pressure to please – Authority figures/peers

Lack of autonomy

Social Media

Bullying

Gender

Socio-economic status

Appearance

Peer acceptance

This suggests that self-esteem is changeable, for the better and the worse.

All influence self-esteem

We can minimise some of the negative impact of social conditioning and personal disappointments

Help young people reframe their experiences and have wider perspectives

Their value does not lie in either their conformity to social pressures or their success at every task.

Carers who love and value the child and express this

Carers who set firm, fair boundaries and stick to these

Carers who provide opportunities to participate in certain decision making

Coppersmith (1967)

Warm and accepting (not necessarily through their behaviour)

Have realistic expectations Demonstrate consistency (boundaries) Modelling

Will create a rich environment for the growth of all the components of self-esteem – building a sense of self and sense of personal power.

Questions?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AGPNw1DU-c

Body image. Biggest effect on self esteem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mP5RveA_tk