Final answer:
Self-esteem is the personal judgment of one's own self-worth, differing from self-absorption or narcissism, which entail excessive focus on oneself or inflated self-importance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social scientists refer to self-esteem as the personal judgments individuals make regarding their own self-worth. Self-esteem involves how much value people place on themselves and it is reflected in our beliefs about ourselves and the responses to these beliefs. It's distinct from concepts such as self-absorption, which refers to an excessive preoccupation with oneself, and narcissism, which is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for attention and admiration.