Self Esteem In Teens.
How Parents Can Help!
Frequently Asked Questions...
- What is self esteem?
- What are the affects of self esteem?
- What are some gender differences?
- What are some age differences in self esteem?
What is Self Esteem?
- Self Esteem: the judgments we make about our own worth and the feelings associated with those judgments (Berk).
- "High self-esteem has been shown to be associated with better mental health outcomes, such as a better ability to cope, and also to be associated with a lower incidence of depression in both adolescents and adults" (Birndorf).
Affects of Low Self Esteem...
- Those with low self esteem focus on not making mistakes and are troubled by failure.
- Adolescents who suffer from low self esteem exaggerate situations as negative for example taking a non critical comment and twisting it to be a critical comment.
- More likely to experience social anxiety and low levels of interpersonal confidence, which in turn makes social interactions awkward and makes them feel shy and weird to the point where they can not adequately express themselves.
Adolescent Health Study
Gender Differences (Birndorf).
- Boys report high self esteem as compared to girls, who report to have low self esteem.
- Self Esteem continues to decline throughout adolescents (specifically girls).
- Girls with low self-esteem appear to be more vulnerable to perceptions of the ideal body image.
Age Differences in Adolescent health Study (Birndorf).
- Younger males are more likely to report about their self esteem level. Older males are less likely to report about self esteem.
- Younger females are less likely to report their self esteem level. Matured females are more likely to report their self esteem levels.
Predictors of High Self Esteem (Birndorf).
- Positive Family Communication and Boundaries
- Other Adult Relationships and Role Models
- Caring School Climate
- Parent Involvement
- Safety
- Creative Activities
- Youth Programs
- Religious Community
Prevention of low self esteem..
- Becoming Involved.
- Taking leadership positions.
- Having healthy relationships with friends and family.
- Learning to say no when necessary.
- Allowing yourself to make mistakes and accepting that.
- Helping other, community service.
Bibliography.
Birndorf, S., Ryan, S., Auinger, P., & Aten, M. (2005). High self-esteem among adolescents: longitudinal trends, sex differences, and protective factors. Journal of Adolescent Health, (37), 194-201.
Berk, L. (2007). Early Childhood: Two To Six Years. In Development through the lifespan (5th ed., pp. 258-260). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.