Self esteem
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The Multifaceted Nature of Self-Esteem: Insights from Recent Research
Benefits of High Self-Esteem Across Life Domains
High self-esteem has long been debated for its potential benefits across various life domains. Recent research consolidates evidence suggesting that high self-esteem positively impacts relationships, academic and work performance, mental and physical health, and reduces antisocial behavior. These benefits are consistent across different ages, genders, and ethnicities, and remain significant even when controlling for prior levels of the predicted outcomes and potential confounding variables. The magnitude of these effects is comparable to other well-established psychological constructs such as self-efficacy and attachment security, and even surpasses some pharmaceutical interventions.
Stability and Development of Self-Esteem Over the Lifespan
Rank-Order Stability
Self-esteem exhibits substantial continuity over time, with stability comparable to that of personality traits. This stability is not uniform across the lifespan; it is lower during childhood, increases through adolescence and young adulthood, and declines during midlife and old age. This pattern holds true across various demographics, including gender, ethnicity, and nationality.
Normative Trajectory
Longitudinal studies reveal that self-esteem generally increases from childhood to middle adulthood, peaks around ages 50 to 60, and then declines in old age . This trajectory is consistent across different cohorts, suggesting a universal pattern in self-esteem development. The increase in self-esteem during adulthood is attributed to accumulating life experiences and achievements, while the decline in old age may be linked to health issues and social role changes.
Theoretical Perspectives on Self-Esteem
Identity Theory
Identity theory posits that self-esteem is an outcome of the self-verification process within social groups, which helps maintain both individual and group stability. Verification of role identities enhances worth-based and efficacy-based self-esteem, which in turn buffers against negative emotions during periods of disruption. This theory integrates various conceptualizations of self-esteem, highlighting its role in social and group dynamics.
Sociometer Theory
Sociometer theory suggests that self-esteem functions as a monitor of social acceptance, motivating behaviors that enhance relational evaluation. According to this theory, self-esteem is not an end in itself but a means to avoid social devaluation and rejection. Empirical evidence supports the idea that low self-esteem is linked to psychological problems, and enhancing self-esteem can have positive social consequences.
Reciprocal Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Social Relationships
Meta-analytic evidence indicates a reciprocal relationship between self-esteem and social relationships. High self-esteem predicts better social relationships, and positive social relationships, in turn, enhance self-esteem. This bidirectional influence is consistent across different ages, genders, and ethnicities, suggesting a positive feedback loop between self-esteem and social interactions.
Dimensions of Self-Esteem
Self-esteem can be divided into three dimensions: worth-based, efficacy-based, and authenticity-based esteem. Each dimension is linked to different motives and emerges through the verification of social, role, and personal identities, respectively. This multidimensional approach provides a more nuanced understanding of how self-esteem operates and its various sources.
Conclusion
The body of research on self-esteem underscores its significant role in various life domains, its stability and development across the lifespan, and its theoretical underpinnings. High self-esteem is generally beneficial, contributing to better mental and physical health, improved social relationships, and greater success in academic and work settings. Understanding the complex nature of self-esteem, including its dimensions and reciprocal relationship with social interactions, can inform interventions aimed at boosting self-esteem, ultimately benefiting individuals and society as a whole.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Is high self-esteem beneficial? Revisiting a classic question.
Stability of self-esteem across the life span.
A Theory of Self-Esteem
The Development of Self-Esteem
Development of Self-Esteem From Age 4 to 94 Years: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies
Making Sense of Self-Esteem
The link between self-esteem and social relationships: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.
Self-Esteem and Identities
Self-Esteem Development Across the Lifespan
The costly pursuit of self-esteem.
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