Self Esteem

What is it?

• Self-Esteem is the global evaluative dimensions of the self.
• Belief in oneself.
• It is also referred to as self-worth or self-image.

History

• The concept of self-esteem was first introduced by William James more than a hundred years ago.
• Dr.Abraham Maslow incorporated self-esteem into his hierarchy of needs in the 1960's.
• Dr. Morris Rosenburg developed the R-ESI, a measure of global self-esteem, in 1965.
• Susan Harter's (1985) Self-Perception Profile for children focused on five domains of self-concept.
• Dr. Nathaniel Brandon is one of the pioneering psychologists of the self-esteem movement.

Controversy

• Is self-esteem related to achievement?
• Does high or low self-esteem lead to violent behavior?

How does Self-esteem develop?

The domains of the self-concept develop at each period of the life-span. Self-esteem develops from relations with others and from life experiences. It doesn't always stay the same. It is an ongoing evaluation of yourself. It can be learned. It doesn't happen overnight. Remember, as Dr. Preisser says in class,"We are all developing people".

Self-esteem is an important part of our self understanding and development throughout our lives. Children, adolescents and older adults all are concerned with or affected by their self-esteem.

Test Your Self-Esteem!

Self-Esteem Test