Final answer:
Self-esteem in individuals is highly impacted by peer relations and the desire to fit in, which can lead to downplaying one's achievements or developing negative self-images.
Step-by-step explanation:
Self-esteem may fluctuate, especially among those trying to fit in with peer groups and social circles. This can be particularly noticeable during young adulthood as individuals navigate the Eriksonian stage of intimacy versus isolation. During this stage, individuals solidify their sense of self, which is crucial for forming intimate relationships. Failing to do so may lead to feelings of loneliness and emotional isolation.
For instance, the desire to fit in can be so strong that it may cause individuals to downplay their accomplishments, as Signithia Fordham observed in her study at a high school she named "Underground Railroad High School", where Black teenage girls intentionally understated their achievements to gain approval from their peers. Similarly, during childhood specifically in the stage of industry versus inferiority, self-esteem is also at stake as children compare themselves with their peers and either develop a sense of competence or feelings of inadequacy.
The pressures to conform to social norms and expectations can also extend to demeaning oneself to fit in, whereby girls might 'compete to lose' as a form of gaining social capital. Cooley's "looking-glass self" concept explains how our self-image develops through our interpretations of how others perceive us, which can lead individuals to develop a negative self-image or even self-hate if they are constantly exposed to derogatory judgments or rejection.