In contemporary society, the concept of self-esteem plays a crucial role in people's lives. Self-esteem is defined as the subjective perception that a person has of themselves, which includes the assessment of their self-image and self-concept. It is a determining factor in the way we relate to others, face challenges and achieve goals. In this context, the question arises: can having a low level of income during adulthood influence an individual's self-esteem?
Self-esteem: An Element Fundamental in Psychological Development
Self-esteem is considered an essential component of an individual's psychological and emotional well-being. It is made up of two main dimensions: global self-esteem and specific self-esteem. Global self-esteem refers to the general evaluation that a person has of himself, while specific self-esteem relates to the evaluation in specific areas of life, such as work, interpersonal relationships or personal achievements.
From a psychological perspective, self-esteem is formed throughout a person's life and is influenced by a variety of factors, such as childhood experiences, social interactions, personal achievements, and self-perception. . Low self-esteem can manifest itself in various ways, such as insecurity, lack of self-confidence, the constant search for external approval, and the tendency to compare oneself negatively with others.
Impact of Income on Life Self-esteem
Income plays a significant role in people's lives, since it not only determines the level of material comfort they can access, but also influences the perception they have of themselves. There is a commonly accepted association between socioeconomic status and self-esteem, where it is often believed that earning more money leads to higher self-esteem and, conversely, earning little can be related to low self-esteem.
The Sociological theory has explored the relationship between income and self-esteem from different approaches. Some studies suggest that people with low incomes may experience feelings of inferiority, inadequacy, and shame compared to those with greater purchasing power. The lack of financial resources can limit opportunities for personal and professional development, which in turn could affect an individual's self-esteem.
On the other hand, there is research that indicates that self-esteem is not solely determined by income level, but are also influenced by other psychological and social factors, such as emotional support, sense of belonging, self-efficacy and perception of one's own value. In this sense, a person with low income but with a solid support network and high self-efficacy could maintain healthy self-esteem despite economic limitations.
Psychological Factors That Influence the Relationship between Income and Self-Esteem
The way in which income impacts a person's self-esteem is not linear and is mediated by a series of psychological and socio-emotional factors. Below are some of the key elements that can influence this relationship:
1. Self-concept and Social Comparison
Self-concept refers to the image and perception that a person has of themselves in different areas of their life. When a person perceives that they do not meet the standards of success or achievement defined by society, their self-esteem is likely to be negatively affected. Social comparison plays a crucial role in this process, since the person tends to compare themselves with those who have a higher socioeconomic status, which can generate feelings of inferiority and negative self-evaluation.
2. Resilience and Coping
A person's ability to cope with adversity and overcome challenges can influence their self-esteem. Resilience refers to the ability to adapt and recover in the face of stressful or traumatic situations. Resilient people tend to maintain a positive image of themselves despite difficulties, which allows them to preserve their self-esteem even in adverse circumstances, such as lack of economic resources.
3. Social Support and Attachment Networks
Social support and attachment networks play a fundamental role in the construction and maintenance of self-esteem. The feeling of belonging to a social group, the emotional support of friends and family, and positive emotional relationships can act as protective factors that strengthen a person's self-esteem. In situations of economic difficulty, having a solid support system can mitigate the negative effects that limited income can have on self-esteem.
Psychological Approach to Low Self-Esteem Related to Income
For people who experience low self-esteem linked to their income, it is essential to address this problem from a psychological perspective that takes into account both internal and external factors that influence their perception of themselves. Some strategies that may be helpful include:
1. Work on Self-Image
Exploring and reflecting on one's perception of oneself in relation to income and socioeconomic status can be the first step to improving self-esteem. It is important to identify and challenge limiting beliefs and negative automatic thoughts that may be contributing to a distorted self-image. Work on self-image can involve practicing self-compassion, accepting one's own limitations, and valuing personal strengths beyond income.
2. Development of Resilience
Strengthening emotional and cognitive resilience is essential to face the challenges associated with low self-esteem. This may involve learning effective coping strategies, identifying and regulating negative emotions, and building a positive personal narrative that allows the person to face difficulties with a resilient attitude.
3. Promoting Positive Social Relationships
Seeking and maintaining positive and healthy social relationships can be key to strengthening self-esteem. Emotional support, connection with other individuals who share similar experiences, and the feeling of belonging to a supportive community can counteract the negative effects of a lack of financial resources on a person's self-esteem. The establishment of solid support networks can provide the emotional support necessary to face challenges with greater strength.
Conclusions
In conclusion, although income can influence a person's self-esteem, person, the relationship between the two is neither deterministic nor static. There are multiple psychological, emotional and social factors that interact in a complex way and that can modulate the way in which a person perceives and values his or her own being. It is essential to understand that self-esteem is a dynamic construct that can be shaped and strengthened throughout life, regardless of the economic circumstances you find yourself in.
Addressing low income-related self-esteem requires a comprehensive approach that considers both individual psychological aspects and external socioeconomic influences. Psychology plays a fundamental role in identifying and addressing the factors that affect people's self-esteem, offering strategies and tools to strengthen positive self-perception and promote emotional and psychological well-being at all stages of life.