Self-esteem refers to an individual’s assessment of their own value and can be described as self-worth, self-regard, self-respect, or self-integrity.
Human beings are unique in their ability to have self-awareness, essentially the ability to form an identity and attach worth or value to it. Unfortunately, in having this ability, we also have the ability to judge and reject parts of ourselves.
Having a positive or healthy self-esteem is believed to be associated with academic achievement, happiness in marriage and relationships, and high career functioning. Having a low self-esteem is often associated with psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Low self-esteem can also relate to anger problems and perfectionism.
Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem can be experienced in very specific areas (such as the perception that oneself is bad at sports, work, or parenting), or it can be more pervasive or characterological. Characterological self-esteem involves an overall rejection of oneself as bad or even worthless. This type of low self-esteem likely develops in early childhood and can negatively impact many areas of life.
Low self-esteem is often associated with low mood, high anxiety, and low self-efficacy. Challenging negative thoughts, changing avoidance behaviours and developing a stronger sense of self can be targeted with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
