Self esteem is the personal assessment of a person’s worthiness. Self-esteem is the foundation that can help build and maintain healthy and positive relationships in almost all areas of life. When we talk of “self-esteem”, we consider a person’s opinion of his/her self. Self-esteem incorporates beliefs about oneself and/or self-image, including confidence, satisfaction, power, shame, triumph, failure, attractiveness, worth, and power.
Narcissistic personality disorders (NPD) and other disorders are related to self-esteem more closely than any other psychological issue. Research shows that narcissists have low self-evaluation, low self-consumption, lack of empathy, and little regard for others’ feelings or needs. These characteristics are extremely detrimental to anyone trying to build a relationship with another human being. Because these individuals place themselves first, they fail to take the time to listen to and value the feelings and opinions of others, and are always looking to jump in and act first. Narcissistic behaviors and characteristics are very similar to those of clinical narcissism.
People with low self esteem are more likely to take risks, use manipulative tactics to gain the upper hand, be impulsive, and have an inflated sense of their importance in their lives. They lack self-confidence and feel insecure about their self-worth, believing that others will evaluate them and determine their worth based on their appearance and behaviors. Insecure people tend to rely on others too much, are unable to handle disappointments, and suffer from constant worry. People who have high self esteem have a healthy self image and are rarely bothered by minor setbacks in life.
Self esteem includes the beliefs and attitudes we have about ourselves, our capabilities, our talents, our value, and our relationships. When we have a healthy self-concept, we know who we are and what we have to offer. Individuals with low self esteem do not have a clear self concept and may have a deep fear of not having enough or having the right qualities.
Individuals with high self esteem are also more assertive and are capable of working productively in a variety of relationships. They don’t have major depressive disorders and tend to have happier and healthier relationships with others. When an individual has a healthy self-image, they feel good about themselves and their ability to be successful. Individuals with low self esteem often have low self-images, low self-concepts, low self-efficacy, low self-motivation, poor relationships with self and others, and feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy.
The feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy that come along with low self esteem can have an enormous effect on an individual’s professional and social life. Low self esteem development can affect an individuals’ ability to achieve their potential. It can also impact their feelings of success, happiness and love. In many cases, these feelings of low self-worth prevent people from being able to reach their full potential and can have a negative impact on their ability to enjoy successful relationships and live a satisfying and successful life.
Individuals with higher self-esteem may feel better about themselves and have greater self confidence. Having higher self-esteem also makes it easier for them to be more assertive and take control of situations. When an individual has a healthy self-image, they are also more likely to want to take risks and take responsibility for their own lives. When an individual has a positive attitude toward their self, they are more likely to feel positive about themselves, and they also have the confidence and motivation to be successful in their relationships.
Self-esteem develops during childhood and adolescence. A number of factors such as biological, emotional and environmental can play a role in its development. Many individuals with low self esteem or low self image are unable to maintain a healthy self-image and may often engage in negative self talk and behavior patterns. This type of negative behavior often leads to decreased self-esteem and low self-confidence. Many individuals with low self esteem have tried different therapies and methods of improving their self-image; however, self-esteem enhancement through behavioral therapy, including the use of self-talk and medications such as Vasconcellos, is one of the most effective methods available for this purpose.