Building Self-Esteem

The Importance of Self-Esteem

• Objectives:– Define self-esteem.

– Describe how self-esteem develops.

– Explain how media messages can affect one’s self-esteem.

– Asses your own self-esteem.

Student Activity• Brainstorm words that describe feelings

associated with high self-esteem. (Ex: likable, confident, etc.)– Write one of your examples on the board.

• Brainstorm words that describe feelings associated with low self-esteem. (Ex: unwanted, weak, etc.)– Write one of your examples on the board.

Self-Esteem• Pride in and acceptance of yourself. Having a

sense of personal worth.

• Able to make good decisions, experience acceptance from others, and give and receive love.

• Avoids comparing yourself with others.

Self-Esteem cont…• Influences your relationship with your family, friends,

teachers, and bosses.

• Affects how you do in school and in work.

• Low self-esteem has been linked to problems such as alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, suicide, and other self-destructive behaviors.

Development of Self-Esteem• The development of self-esteem begins at

birth.

• Early on, our feelings about ourselves tend to be a reflection of how we are treated by the people most important to our lives…our parents or guardians.

Development of Self-Esteem cont…

• We learn to see ourselves as we think our parents do.

• Most parents want to support and encourage their children and help them feel loved.

• Serious situations exist when parents neglect or abuse their children.

Development of Self-Esteem cont…

• During the first years of life, we make a decision about our own worth based on how we think others see us.

• Decision may not be a conscious one, but it is a decision nevertheless.

Development of Self-Esteem cont…

• Self-esteem is based on a decision…thus, it can be changed by making a new decision later in life.

• You can decide to raise your self-esteem.

Body Image• Your perception of your appearance, level of

fitness, and health.

• It is difficult for teens to maintain a positive body image because so many physical changes are taking place during the teen years.

Body Image (media)• We are constantly exposed to media images that

show “perfect” faces and bodies.

• These images often negatively influence the way we see ourselves, which can lower self-esteem.

Body Image (media)• Teenage girls often have a hard time because

they sometimes feel that they must look unrealistically thin in order to be attractive.

• Advertisements showing extremely thin women are often thought of as the standard/norm from which girls judge themselves from.

Body Image (media)• The “perfect” face and body change over time

in advertisements.

• Thin bodies are fashionable in one decade, and curvaceous bodies are stylish during another one.

Student Activity• Make a list of some things the media does to

distort teen’s views of normal body images.

• What danger do you see in letting media images dictate the kind of physical traits that are desirable?

How to Build Self-Esteem

8.2

Objectives• Name the best way to raise your self-esteem.

• Name at least three other ways of raising your self-esteem.

How to Build your Self-Esteem

• 1. Accept yourself• 2. Use positive Self-Talk• 3. Be good at something.• 4. Use “I” statements.• 5. Develop a support group• 6. Resist peer pressure.• 7. Act with integrity.

How to Build your Self-Esteem • 1. Accept Yourself:– Appreciate yourself.– Believe in your worth.– Realistically assess your strengths and

weaknesses.– Don’t be modest.– Try not to judge yourself with unrealistic

standards.– Decide you are OK as you are.– Only expend energy on things you know you can

control.

• 2. Use Positive Self-Talk:– Talking to yourself in a positive way.– Refrain from negative/put down self-talk.

Student Activity

• Write a 1 page letter to yourself. In this letter tell yourself how great you are. Be sure to tell yourself about all the great skills and traits you possess.

• Don’t hold back.

• 3. Be Good at Something:– Everyone has something that he/she is good at.

– Make the most of your talent/talents.

– Cultivate your natural abilities regardless of how trivial they seem.

• 4. Use “I” Statements:– Take responsibility for your feelings by using “I”

statements.

-”I sometimes feel shy around new people.”Vs.-“It makes me shy when I’m around new people.”

• 5. Develop a Support Group:– Share your joys and sorrows with people you

trust (friends, family, teammates).

– Self Disclosure: telling another person meaningful info. about yourself plays a key role in the development of self-esteem.

– Develop relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

• 5. Resist Peer Pressure:– Think for yourself.

– Make your own decisions.

– Trust yourself and your values.

– Listen to your inner voice and make decisions based on what it is telling you.

• 6. Act With Integrity:– Treat others with respect and compassion.

– Help others maintain self-esteem.

– Complement others on their skills and actions.

Student Activity

• Make a list of at least 10 things you do well. Why do you do them well?

• Make a list of at least 10 words that describe you. Explain why you chose these words.