Final answer:
Self-esteem is linked to the congruence between one's real self and ideal self, as theorized by Carl Rogers. High congruence leads to higher self-esteem, while incongruence can produce feelings of inferiority and lower self-esteem. This is developed from early childhood through adolescence, with the assistance of supportive relationships that offer unconditional positive regard.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connection between self-esteem and ideal self is deeply rooted in humanistic psychology, particularly in the theories proposed by Carl Rogers. According to Rogers, a person's self-esteem is affected by the congruence between their real self and their ideal self. Congruence means that the individual's self-concept is accurate, with a greater similarity between their real self – who they are – and their ideal self – who they aspire to be. When congruence is high, individuals tend to have a stronger sense of self-worth and lead a healthier, more productive life, thereby boosting their self-esteem.
Parents and educators can foster higher self-esteem in children by providing them with unconditional positive regard, acceptance, and support. This helps to reduce the discrepancy between the real self and the ideal self, a state referred to as incongruence, which can lead to feelings of inferiority and lower self-esteem. The formation of a positive self-concept, which contributes to higher self-esteem, starts early in childhood and continues throughout the developmental stages.
Developmental stages, such as Erikson's stage of Industry versus Inferiority during elementary school, play a significant role in self-esteem development. Children compare themselves to others and develop feelings of competence or inferiority based on these comparisons. Self-esteem is further refined during adolescence as teens work on identity formation and internalize messages about their strengths and weaknesses.