Question

What is the definition of self-esteem?

1) Confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect
2) How you feel about yourself
3) Possessing little self-regard can lead people to become depressed, to fall short of their potential, or to tolerate abusive situations and relationships. Too much self-love, on the other hand, results in an off-putting sense of entitlement and an inability to learn from failures. (It can also be a sign of clinical narcissism.)
4) Perhaps no other self-help topic has spawned so much advice and so many (often conflicting) theories. Here are our best insights on how to strike a balance between accurate self-knowledge and respect for who you are.

Answer 1

Self-esteem is an individual's confidence in their own worth or abilities, forming part of the broader self-concept. It develops from childhood and is influenced by the congruence between a person's real self and ideal self, with high self-esteem leading to personal well-being and self-efficacy affecting the belief in one's capabilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Self-esteem is the confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect. It encompasses both a sense of competence when we compare ourselves favorably against others and the acceptance of oneself, which leads to a healthier and more productive life. The development of a positive self-concept is crucial to this process and begins early in life during Erikson's toddlerhood stage, with autonomy playing a pivotal role. Throughout childhood and into adolescence, individuals continue to form and re-evaluate their self-concept, with an ideal goal of congruence between the real self and the ideal self, as Carl Rogers theorized. High congruence leads to increased self-worth. In contrast, a state of incongruence, where there is a great discrepancy between the real and ideal selves, can contribute to negative feelings of self and even an inferiority complex. Moreover, high self-efficacy can improve our ability to face challenges confidently, recover from setbacks, and contribute to overall personal well-being. It is distinct from self-esteem but is equally important in one's overall self-concept. Feelings of self-efficacy can be specific to situations, just as one might feel capable in one area but less so in another.