Major Characteristics and Difference Between High Self-Esteem and Low Self-Esteem 

Back to: Gender, School and Society- Unit 3

In the context of psychology, self-esteem is a term used to refer to a person’s overall subjective sense of personal value and worth. It can be defined as the amount of appreciation a person has for himself or herself regardless of the circumstances. A lot of factors may contribute to defining self-esteem, some of which include self-confidence, identity, sense of belonging, feeling of security, and feeling of competence. Few terms that are often used interchangeably with self-esteem are self-regard, self-respect, and self-worth.

Major Characteristics of Self-Esteem

The major characteristics of self-esteem are as follows:

Decision-Making

People with better self-esteem can make better and more helpful decisions.

Relationships

Self-esteem is also highly essential for establishing and maintaining relationships.

Emotional Health

Self-esteem is also important for maintaining one’s emotional well-being.

Mental Health

Self-esteem is important to avoid stress and have good mental health and well-being.

Overall Well-Being

People with high self-esteem can lead a better quality of life and enjoy overall well-being.

Differences Between High and Low Self-Esteem

The main differences between high and low self-esteem are as follows:

High Self-Esteem

People with high self-esteem have the following characteristics:

1. Sense of Purpose: Self-esteem allows individuals to have a sense of purpose in life.
2. Positive Outlook: People with high self-esteem can have a positive outlook on life.
3. Realistic: Self-esteem enables people to accept themselves and accept reality as well.
4. Value of Self: Self-esteem allows one to appreciate their value and worth regardless of the opinion of others.
5. Communication Skills: Self-esteem helps individuals to improve their communication skills.
6. Drive for Success: Self-esteem allows people to take on new challenges and achieve success in life.
7. Resilience: Self-esteem develops individuals into resilient and self-sufficient human beings.

Low Self-Esteem

People with low self-esteem have the following characteristics:

1. Affects performance: People with low self-esteem may sometimes face failures in their performance.
2. Emotional problems: Due to poor self-esteem, sometimes, individuals may face emotional problems.
3. Lack of confidence: Lack of self-esteem may also lead to a lack of confidence among individuals.
4. Poor academic performance: Those who have poor self-esteem may face problems in academics as well.
5. Substance abuse: Those who have low self-esteem may be more prone to substance and drug abuse.
6. Affects Career: Those with low self-esteem may not be able to take advantage of their career opportunities
7. Emotional and mental health problems: Low self-esteem can lead to anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness too.

Self-esteem plays an important role because it has a huge impact on your decision-making process, your emotional health, your mental health, your relationships, and your overall well-being. It also impacts the amount of motivation you have. People with healthy self-esteem and a positive view of themselves recognize their potential and may feel more inspired to take on new challenges than those with low self-esteem.