Self-Esteem
Introduction
Self-esteem essentially refers to how we view or perceive ourselves based on various factors (Lawford, 2002). Our skills and abilities, physical appearance, social relationships, and accomplishments, among others, are the factors that affect self-esteem (Lawford, 2002). These factors, however, may differ from one person to another. For this reason, we will explore how different people view and perceive this phenomenon. The purpose of the research is to explore self-esteem from the perspectives of different people. To gather data about how people viewed self-esteem, five people were asked to participate in an interview. Research questions will be used as guide in gathering data.
The research questions include the following: What is the definition of self-esteem?
What are the factors that lower self-esteem?
What are the factors that raise self-esteem?
Apart from the participants’ responses to the foregoing research questions, a review of related literature will also be conducted to explore what current and relevant discussions and texts say about self-esteem. Information gleaned from existing literature will be used to supplement and guide the interpretation of data gathered.Based on personal knowledge and experience, I will define ‘self-esteem’ as belief in oneself that may be innate or caused by outside factors such as other people’s belief and trust in us.
Failures, disappointment, and guilt are the factors that lower our self-esteem, as well as our assessment of ourselves in comparison to other people. On the other hand, achievements or accomplishments, people’s view, perception, and treatment of us, and existing opportunities raise our self-esteem. Exploring self-esteem is significant in our understanding of ourselves. If we understand self-esteem as a concept as well as the factors that either lower or raise this, we would be able to understand how we can make ourselves feel better when we struggle due to failures or other factors that lower our self-esteem.
The succeeding section Literature Review
To establish current and relevant knowledge about self-esteem, a review of related literature was conducted to explore this theme. The following literature link to the three research questions – definition of self-esteem, the factors that lower self-esteem, and those that raise self-esteem. McKay, Davis, and Fanning (2009) argued that self-esteem, particularly the one that influences an individual’s courage to speak in front of an audience for instance, may be learned. Through constant training, people may develop a strong sense of self, which will improve their self-esteem.
Self-esteem may also be developed through an individual’s perception of his or her power and influence. If one perceives that he or she is powerful or influential, then he/she may draw self-esteem from that. Having the authority or the ability to control situations are also sources of self-esteem for people (Lawford, 2002). If people learn how to handle situations and manage people, they get to see their value or worth and develop self-esteem in the process. Another factor that contributes to self-esteem is knowledge. If people develop the sense or ability to think critically, their understanding …
