WEEK FOUR
SELF – ESTEEM
Self – esteem is the judgement a person makes about himself/herself. It can also be referred to as the recognition of one’s qualities and abilities including values, goals, talents, worths, physical makeup and purpose in life. Self – esteem can be likened to self-respect.
TYPES OF SELF – ESTEEM
There are two types of self – esteem
- High self – esteem
- Low self – esteem
HIGH SELF – ESTEEM: This is an individual that can recognise his or her own strength and skill and can accept and acknowledge successes and achievements. An individual with high self – esteem responds confidently to challenges and problems, then practices positive thinking.
Characteristics of High – Self Esteem
1. It involves believing in one self and having self confidence
2. High self – esteem makes a person to accept his weakness and strength
3. The person will respect and live himself and others
4. Making one’s decision based in what one feels is right not what a friend may suggest is another characteristic.
5. The ability to make decisions to face challenges and cope with them
LOW SELF – ESTEEM: This is when a person experiences feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy, helplessness, inferiority and a sense of being unable to improve his/her situation.
Characteristics of Low – Self Esteem
- Lack of self confidence
- Inability to express one’s feeling and opinions in the public.
- Inability to accept oneself
- Have no respect or liking oneself
- They feel disliked or unwanted
- Always wanting to please others
- Always wishing to be like others.
HOW TO IMPROVE SELF – ESTEEM
- Accept yourself as you are
- Identify your strength and weakness
- Identify your values and behave according to them
- Set realistic goals
- Develop your abilities and be proud of them
- Select realistic role models
- Cultivate positive relationship
- Be pleased with whom you are ‘
- Accept compliments
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCES SELF – ESTEEM
- Family
- The society
- Gender
- Mass media
- Religious organisation
- The economic background
- Individual achievement
FAMILY: as primary agent of socialization affects the self – esteem of members
SOCIETY: the norms of the society and when we fit in affect our self – esteem
GENDER: roles as defined by culture or law affect our self – esteem
MASS MEDIA: it is a powerful factors that affects and shape one’s self esteem
RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION: they teach one self
The Economic Background or social class a person belongs to affect his self – esteem
Individual achievement is another factor that affect self – esteem