Self-esteem is a fundamental aspect of a person's mental health and psychological well-being. It refers to how we value ourselves, what opinion we have of ourselves and how much we appreciate ourselves. There are different types of self-esteem, and each can influence the way we think, feel, and act in the world. In this article, we will explore the 4 types of self-esteem and how they influence our daily lives.
High self-esteem
High self-esteem is a state of mind in which a person values himself in a positive and healthy way. People with high self-esteem typically have a strong sense of self-worth, self-confidence, and a positive attitude toward life. They feel able to face challenges, make decisions, and set healthy boundaries in their relationships. High self-esteem is related to self-acceptance, self-confidence and self-efficacy.
Characteristics of high self-esteem:
- Self-confidence
- Ability to make decisions
- Self-respect
- Optimism and positive attitude
- Ability to establish healthy limits
Have high self-esteem It does not mean being arrogant or selfish, but recognizing and valuing one's own strengths and positive qualities. People with high self-esteem tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges and have healthier and more satisfying relationships.
Low self-esteem
On the other hand, low self-esteem is characterized by a perceived negative self-esteem, lack of confidence in one's own abilities, and a feeling of not being valuable enough. People with low self-esteem may experience self-critical thoughts, insecurity, anxiety, and depression. Low self-esteem can be influenced by past experiences, unrealistic expectations, comparisons with others and lack of emotional support.
Consequences of low self-esteem:
- Insecurity and fear of failure
- Low self-confidence
- Constant self-criticism
- Difficulty establishing limits
- Emotional dependence on others
Low self-esteem can limit a person's potential to achieve their goals, foster healthy relationships, and manage stress effectively. It is important to work on improving low self-esteem through self-acceptance, self-care, therapy, and building social skills.
Inflated self-esteem
Inflated self-esteem is a type of self-evaluation. excessively positive and disproportionate in relation to reality. People with inflated self-esteem may display arrogant, self-centered, and narcissistic behaviors. This type of self-esteem can be a mask to cover up underlying insecurities or compensate for feelings of inferiority.
Signs of inflated self-esteem:
- Arrogance and superiority
- Need for constant admiration
- Self-deception and lack of empathy
- Unfair competition
- Inability to accept criticism
Although self-esteem Inflated may seem attractive at first, it is often fragile and vulnerable to external criticism. People with inflated self-esteem may experience difficulties in their interpersonal relationships, as they tend to focus on themselves and put others down. It is important to work on recognizing and addressing one's own insecurities to develop a more balanced self-esteem.
Conditional self-esteem
Conditional self-esteem is based on external achievements, approval from others, or comparisons with others. the rest. People with conditional self-esteem often feel valuable only when they meet certain standards or expectations, which can create a cycle of constant external validation. This type of self-esteem can lead to a feeling of chronic dissatisfaction and emotional dependence on external approval.
Characteristics of conditional self-esteem:
- Dependency on external approval
- Excessive self-demand
- Constant comparison with others
- Inability to value own achievements
- Vulnerability to external criticism
Working on developing unconditional self-esteem, based on self-respect, self-acceptance, and self-reflection, can be key to freeing yourself from the need for external validation and cultivating a sense of genuine self-worth. This involves learning to value oneself independently of external achievements and to recognize one's own intrinsic worth as a unique and valuable human being.
In summary, self-esteem plays a crucial role in our emotional well-being, our way of life. relating to others and our ability to face life's challenges. Recognizing the different types of self-esteem and working to improve it can be an important step towards a fuller, more authentic and satisfying life.