The Significance of Self-Esteem

Self-esteem. We’ve likely all heard the term so often that it can feel like it has lost its true meaning. But here’s the thing: self-esteem is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental aspect of mental wellbeing.

Self-esteem is more than just liking oneself, it refers to the overall sense of worth and the value we place on ourselves as individuals. A person with positive self-esteem has a healthy opinion of themselves, acknowledging their abilities, attributes and potential. 

It’s important to know that there can be challenges on both sides when it comes to having high or low perceptions of your self-esteem. An individual with extremely high self-esteem may find themselves struggling with aspects of relationships or personal growth because they’ve overestimated their skills and/or view themselves as perfect. Conversely, low self-esteem can lead individuals to negative self-perception and a lack of confidence. Individuals struggling with low self-esteem can sometimes display self-sabotaging behaviours because their perception of their competence or worth is at odds with reality.

To say good self-esteem is significant would be an understatement. It forms the foundation of healthy relationships, productive work environments and a fulfilling life. Many people with healthy self-esteem are motivated to pursue their goals, assert their needs and set healthy boundaries, and navigate life's challenges with resilience. 

Oftentimes, the building blocks for self-esteem are laid during childhood, although cultivating a healthy self-esteem is a lifelong endeavor. While early developmental factors can contribute toward self-esteem, an individual’s sense of self-worth can also be impacted by factors like ability or disability, genetics, socioeconomic status, thought patterns, and life experiences. Additionally, there is evidence that individuals who experience discrimination and/or racism may have their sense of worth and value negatively impacted. 

How can you identify if you have healthy self-esteem? While not an exhaustive list, here are some characteristics that may indicate an appropriate level of self-worth: 

• An ability to communicate individual needs
• The ability to set healthy boundaries
• Expressing or displaying a tendency toward confidence in one’s abilities or perception of self
• Displaying a tendency to view life experiences with a positive outlook
• Accepting of individual strengths and imperfections

In contrast, people struggling with lower self-esteem may express challenges with motivation or mental health disorders like anxiety and depression and can sometimes find it hard to have healthy relationships with themselves or others.

Self-esteem is considered a psychological need. Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist and humanist, included it at the fourth level in his hierarchy of needs, placing it above physiological, social and safety needs. This signifies its essential role in achieving a fulfilling and satisfying life. Just as we need food, water and shelter to survive, and safety and security to feel stable, self-esteem (and the need for respect and appreciation from others) is crucial for our psychological wellbeing and for motivating our behaviour. 

Psychological needs are fundamental aspects of human motivation, and influence our behaviour, thoughts and emotions. Ensuring these needs are met is important for an individual’s mental health and a sense of purpose. And what happens if these needs aren’t met? An individual may be left feeling unimportant, unconfident and lacking a sense of purpose. 

So, how do I cultivate healthy self-esteem?

Can I improve self-esteem through therapy?