• Repair
• Repair 
• Interior Design
• About everything
• About plumbing

A personal quality that provides objective self-esteem is called. What is self-esteem: how is self-perception formed?

self-esteem) S. refers to the opinion a person has of himself, including the degree of self-esteem and self-acceptance. S. reflects feelings of personal value and competence that people associate with their self-concepts. Assessment needs were studied by A. Maslow, who described the ways in which S. is associated with the process of becoming a self-actualizing personality. According to Maslow, all people have a need or desire for a stable and enduring sense of self-worth, or self-esteem, and they need such evaluation from both themselves and others. A. Adler developer his theory of personality, relying primarily on the concepts of the motivating force of primary inferiority and compensation. Adler did not consider this process in negative aspect; he argued that every person. develops a unique personality in an effort to overcome real or perceived inadequacies. K. Horney also wrote about the preconditions of S. She believed that children deprived of parental love, acceptance and approval tend to develop a group of unsatisfied needs (which she considered neurotic). As you might expect, love, warmth and acceptance have been shown to be extremely important in the development of high C. This sense of trust becomes an important guard against anxiety in confronting the world around us, providing the child with a sense of basic security needed when faced with the demands of the environment. In his research. basic components of S.S. Coopersmith discovered that high S. is the result of parental acceptance, the establishment of certain restrictions and the provision of freedom of action to the subject within these realistic restrictions. As a result, the decisive factor for S.’s formation turned out to be the quality and quantity of parental attention and acceptance received in childhood. S. is a multidimensional concept, since it exists in the form of degrees of comparison. It is a vital component of a person’s self-concept. For example, an individual may have high S. in interpersonal relationships and at the same time have a low assessment of his success in learning. Assessment is related to personal identity. The presence of love and acceptance is directly related to the "identity of success"; lack of love and acceptance is associated with a “failure identity.” See also Feelings of Inadequacy by J. Corey

SELF-ESTEEM

the value that an individual attributes to himself or to his individual qualities. The main evaluation criterion is the individual’s system of personal meanings. The main functions that are performed by self-esteem are REGULATORY, on the basis of which problems of personal choice are solved, and PROTECTIVE, ensuring relative stability and independence of the individual. Significant role Assessments of others about the personality and achievements of the individual play a role in the formation of self-esteem.

SELF-ESTEEM

a person’s assessment of himself, his capabilities, qualities and place among other people is the value he attributes to himself or to his individual qualities. Relating to the core of personality, it is an important regulator of behavior. A person’s relationships with others, his criticality, self-demandingness, and attitude toward successes and failures depend on it. Thus, it influences the effectiveness of activities and further development of the individual. The main criterion for evaluation is the individual’s system of personal meanings.

The main functions performed by self-esteem:

1) regulatory - on the basis of which problems of personal choice are solved;

2) protective - ensuring relative stability and independence of the individual.

Self-esteem has an important difference from introspection (=> self-knowledge).

Self-esteem is closely related to the level of a person’s aspirations - the degree of difficulty of the goals that he sets for himself. The discrepancy between aspirations and real capabilities leads to the fact that he begins to evaluate himself incorrectly, as a result of which his behavior becomes inadequate - emotional breakdowns, increased anxiety, etc. occur. Self-esteem is externally expressed in how a person evaluates the capabilities and results of the activities of others (for example, belittles them with inflated self-esteem). A significant role in the formation of self-esteem is played by assessments of surrounding personalities and the individual’s achievements.

Russian psychology shows the influence of self-esteem on cognitive activity of a person (perception, representation, solution of intellectual problems), the place of self-esteem in the system of interpersonal relations, methods for forming adequate self-esteem, and in case of its deformation - methods for its transformation through educational influences.

SELF-ESTEEM

The subject’s assessment of his personal characteristics and actions. Depends on the state of affect, delusional experiences, etc. Should be taken into account when analyzing anamnestic information. S. is one of the most common methods of experimental psychological research.

SELF-ESTEEM

English self-esteem) - value, significance, which an individual assigns to himself as a whole and to individual aspects of his personality, activities, and behavior. S. acts as a relatively stable structural formation, a component of self-concept, self-awareness, and as a process of self-esteem. The basis of S. is the system of personal meanings of the individual, the system of values ​​adopted by him. It is considered as a central personal formation and a central component of the self-concept.

S. performs regulatory and protective functions, influencing the behavior, activity and development of the individual, her relationships with other people. Reflecting the degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with oneself, the level of self-esteem, S. creates the basis for the perception of one’s own success and failure, setting goals of a certain level, that is, the level of a person’s aspirations. The protective function C, while ensuring relative stability and autonomy (independence) of the individual, can lead to a distortion of the data of experience and thereby have a negative effect. influence on development.

The S. of a developed individual form a complex system that determines the nature of the individual’s self-attitude and includes general S, which reflects the level of self-esteem, holistic acceptance or non-acceptance of oneself, and partial, private S, characterizing the attitude towards individual aspects of one’s personality, actions, and the success of certain types of activities. S. m. b. different levels of awareness and generalization.

S. is characterized as follows. parameters: 1) level (value) - high, medium and low C; 2) realism - adequate and inadequate (overestimated and underestimated) C; 3) structural features - conflict and conflict-free C; 4) temporal reference - prognostic, current, retrospective C; 5) stability, etc.

For the development of personality, such a character of self-attitude is effective when a sufficiently high general S. is combined with adequate, differentiated partial S. of different levels. A stable and at the same time quite flexible system (which, if necessary, can change under the influence of new information, the acquisition of experience, the assessments of others, changing criteria, etc.) is optimal for both development and productivity. Negative the influence is exerted by an overly stable, rigid C, as well as by a highly fluctuating, unstable one. Conflict in S. can be both productive and disorganizing. S.'s instability and conflict increase during critical periods of development, in particular during adolescence.

Self-esteem is formed on the basis of the assessments of others, assessments of the results of one’s own activities, and also on the basis of the relationship between real and ideal ideas about oneself. Preserving a formed, habitual self becomes a need for a person, which is associated with a number of important self-esteem phenomena, such as the affect of inadequacy, the discomfort of success, etc. See also Mirror Self (A.M. Prikhozhan.)

Editor's addition: Ros. psychologists often call S. any judgment a person makes about himself: age, abilities, character, health, plans, experiences, etc. For example, in the collection. with the ambitious title "Best psychological tests for professional selection and career guidance" a "test" called "Self-Esteem Scale" (Ch. D. Spielberger, Yu. L. Khanin) is proposed, which is considered a method of assessing the level of anxiety (as a state and personality trait). "S." is contrasted here , for example, expert assessment.

Self-esteem

Our opinion about ourselves. When assessing their abilities, children may have a high or low opinion of themselves, depending on their own success and the assessments of those around them. In early childhood, a child judges himself according to four main criteria: 1. Cognitive competence: the ability to solve problems and achieve goals. 2. Social competence: the ability to maintain relationships with other people. 3. Physical competence: “what can I (or can’t) do” - run, play football, etc. 4. Code of conduct: “am I a good boy (girl)”? With age, the criteria for self-esteem become more differentiated as ideas about our attractiveness in the eyes of the opposite sex, a sense of humor, professional suitability, etc. are formed. In some theories, self-esteem is considered as the result of a cumulative perception of our abilities in all areas of life. Because some areas seem more important than others (for example, we may not be concerned about our own appearance or physical strength), we tend to weigh the importance of each opinion rather than sum them up. According to other views on the development of self-esteem, it is based on the opinions and judgments of other people (see Mirror Self).

Self-esteem

a component of self-awareness, which includes, along with knowledge about oneself, a person’s assessment of his physical characteristics, abilities, moral qualities and actions; a person’s assessment of himself, his capabilities, qualities, and place among other people.

Self-esteem is a phenomenon that represents a value attributed to oneself as an individual and to one’s own actions by individuals, which performs three core functions: regulation, development and protection. The regulation function is responsible for making personal decisions, the protection function ensures personal stability and independence, and the development function is a kind of push mechanism that directs the individual to personal development. The core criterion for one’s own assessment is the system of meanings and non-meanings of subjects. A significant role in the formation of an adequate or overestimated (underestimated) level of self-esteem lies in the assessments of those around the individual’s personality and his achievements.

Types of self-esteem

Self-esteem is considered one of the most key and significant qualities in an individual’s life. Self-esteem begins to develop in early childhood and affects the entire future life of the individual. It is through it that a person’s success or failure in society, the achievement of what is desired, and harmonious development are often determined. That is why its role in personality development is almost impossible to overestimate.

Self-esteem, in psychological science, is called the individual’s assessment of his own strengths and defects, behavior and actions, determination of personal role and significance in society, determination of himself as a whole. For the purpose of clearer and correct characteristics subjects have developed certain types of personality self-assessment.

There is normal self-esteem, that is, adequate, low and inflated, that is, inadequate. These types of self-esteem are the most important and decisive. After all, it depends on the level of self-esteem how much a person will sensibly evaluate his own strengths, qualities, actions, and deeds.

The level of self-esteem consists of giving excessive importance to oneself, one’s own merits and defects, or vice versa – insignificance. Many people mistakenly believe that an inflated level of self-esteem is not a bad thing. However, this opinion is not entirely correct. Deviations of self-esteem in one direction or another rarely contribute to the fruitful development of the individual.

A low degree of self-esteem can only block determination and confidence, while an overestimated degree assures that he is always right and does everything right.

Individuals with an inflated degree of self-esteem tend to overestimate their own real potential. Often such individuals think that the people around them underestimate them without reason, as a result of which they treat the people around them completely unfriendly, often arrogantly and arrogantly, and sometimes downright aggressive. Subjects with an inflated degree of self-esteem constantly try to prove to others that they are the best, and others are worse than them. They are confident that they are superior to other individuals in everything, and demand recognition of their own superiority. As a result, others tend to avoid communicating with them.

An individual with a low degree of self-esteem is characterized by excessive self-doubt, timidity, excessive shyness, self-consciousness, fear of expressing one’s own judgments, and often experiences an unreasonable feeling of guilt. Such people are quite easily suggestible, they always follow the opinions of other subjects, they are afraid of criticism, disapproval, condemnation, censure from surrounding colleagues, comrades and other subjects. They often see themselves as failures and do not notice, as a result of which they cannot correctly evaluate their best qualities. , as a rule, is formed in childhood, but can often transform from adequate due to regular comparison with other subjects.

Self-esteem is also divided into floating and stable. Its type depends on the mood of the individual or his success in a certain period of his life. Self-esteem can also be general, private and specific situational, in other words, indicate the scope of self-esteem. For example, individuals can evaluate themselves separately according to physical parameters or intellectual data, in a certain area, such as business, personal life, etc.

The listed types of personality self-esteem are considered fundamental in psychological science. They can be interpreted as a modification of the behavior of subjects from the realm of an absolutely impersonal principle into individually personal certainty.

Self-esteem and self-confidence

Evaluation of actions, qualities, and actions occurs from a very early age. It can be divided into two components: assessment of one’s own actions and qualities by others and comparison of achieved personal goals with the results of others. In the process of realizing one’s own actions, activities, goals, behavioral reactions, potential (intellectual and physical), analyzing the attitude of others towards one’s person and the personal attitude towards them, the individual learns to evaluate one’s own positive qualities and negative traits, in other words, learns adequate self-esteem. Such a “learning process” can drag on for long years. But you can increase your self-esteem and feel confident in your own potential and strengths in a fairly short time, if you set such a goal for yourself or if there is a need to free yourself from uncertainty.

Confidence in personal potential and adequate self-esteem are precisely the two main components of success. It is possible to identify the characteristic features of subjects who feel confident in their own capabilities.

Such individuals:

- always express their own desires and requests in the first person;

- they are easy to understand;

- they positively assess their own personal potential, set difficult-to-achieve goals for themselves and achieve their implementation;

- recognize their own achievements;

- take the expression of their own thoughts and desires seriously as well as other people’s words and desires, they look for joint ways to satisfy common needs;

— consider achieved goals as success. In cases where it is not possible to achieve what they want, they set more realistic goals for themselves and learn a lesson from the work done. It is this attitude towards success and failure that opens up new opportunities and gives strength for subsequent actions in order to set new goals;

— all actions are implemented as needed, rather than postponed.

Adequate self-esteem makes an individual a confident person. The coincidence of ideas regarding one's own potential and one's real capabilities is called adequate self-esteem. Forming an adequate degree of self-esteem will not be impossible without taking actions and subsequent analysis of the fruits of such actions. A subject who has an adequate degree of self-esteem feels a good man, as a result of which he begins to believe in his own success. He sets many goals for himself and chooses adequate means to achieve them. Belief in success helps you not to focus on temporary failures and mistakes.

Self-esteem diagnostics

Today, the problem of developing regulatory functions plays an increasingly important role, helping the individual to act as a real subject of his own personal behavior and activities, regardless of the influence of society, to determine the prospects for his further development, directions and tools for their implementation. A key place among the reasons determining the formation of mechanisms belongs to self-esteem, which determines the direction and degree of activity of individuals, the formation of their value orientations, personal goals and the boundaries of their achievements.

Modern scientific society has recently increasingly brought issues that are related to the study of personal orientation, self-esteem, the problem of self-esteem, and personality constancy to the forefront. Since such phenomena for scientific knowledge are complex and ambiguous, the success of studying them, for the most part, depends on the level of perfection of the research methods used. Subjects' interest in studying characteristic properties personality, such as self-esteem, etc. – entailed the development of many methods for conducting personality research.

Methods for diagnosing self-esteem today can be considered in all their diversity, since many different techniques and methods have been developed that allow one to analyze an individual’s self-esteem based on different indicators. Therefore, psychology has in its arsenal a number of experimental methods for detecting an individual’s self-esteem, its quantitative assessment and qualitative characteristics.

For example, using the value of the rank ratio, you can compare the subject’s idea of ​​what personal traits he would like to have first (ideal self) and what qualities he actually has (current self). An essential factor in this method is that the individual, during the research process, makes the necessary calculations independently in accordance with the existing formula, and does not provide the researcher with information about his own current and ideal “I”. The coefficients obtained as a result of the study of self-esteem allow us to see self-esteem in its quantitative expression.

The most popular methods for diagnosing self-esteem are described below.

The Dembo-Rubinstein technique, named after the names of its authors, helps determine three key parameters of self-esteem: height, realism and stability. During the research, absolutely all comments of the participant in the process made in relation to the scales, poles and its location on the scales should be taken into account. Psychologists are convinced that a careful analysis of a conversation contributes to more accurate and complete conclusions about an individual’s self-esteem than the usual analysis of the location of marks on scales.

The method of analyzing personal self-esteem according to Budassi makes it possible to conduct a quantitative analysis of self-esteem, as well as to identify its degree and adequacy, to find the relationship between one’s ideal “I” and those qualities that exist in reality. The stimulus material is represented by a set consisting of 48 personality traits, for example, daydreaming, thoughtfulness, cheekiness, etc. The ranking principle forms the basis of this technique. Its purpose is to determine connections among ranking assessments of personal properties included in ideas about oneself, real and ideal, during processing of the results. The degree of connection is determined using the rank correlation value.

Budassi's research method is based on the individual's self-assessment, which can be done in two ways. The first is to compare your own ideas with really existing, objective performance indicators. The second is a comparison of one’s own person with other people.

The Cattell test is practically the most common questionnaire method for assessing individual psychological personality traits. The questionnaire is aimed at identifying relatively independent sixteen personality factors. Each of these factors forms several surface properties that are connected around one key features. Factor MD (self-esteem) is additional factor. Average numbers of this factor will mean the presence of adequate self-esteem, its certain maturity.

V. Shchur’s technique, called “Ladder,” helps to identify children’s system of ideas about how they evaluate their own qualities, how others evaluate them, and how such judgments relate to each other. This technique has two methods of application: group and individual. The group version allows you to quickly identify the degree of self-esteem in several children at the same time. An individual style of conducting makes it possible to detect the reasons affecting the formation of inadequate self-esteem. The stimulus material in this technique is a so-called ladder, consisting of 7 steps. The child must determine his own place on this ladder, with the “good children” on the first step, and the “worst” on the 7th step, respectively. To carry out this technique, great emphasis is placed on creating a friendly environment, an atmosphere of trust, goodwill, and openness.

You can also study self-esteem in children using the following techniques, such as the technique developed by A. Zakharova to determine the level of emotional self-esteem and D. Lampen’s method of self-esteem called “Tree,” modified by L. Ponomarenko. These methods are aimed at determining the degree of self-esteem of children.

The test proposed by T. Leary is designed to identify self-esteem by assessing the behavior of individuals, close people, and describing the ideal image of “I”. Using this method, it becomes possible to identify the prevailing type of attitude towards others in self-esteem and in mutual assessment. The questionnaire contains 128 value judgments, which are represented by eight types of relationships, combined into 16 items, which are ordered by increasing intensity. The method is structured in such a way that judgments aimed at defining any type of relationship are not arranged in a row, but are grouped into 4 types and are repeated after an equal number of definitions.

The diagnostic technique for self-assessment of mental states, developed by G. Eysenck, is used to determine the self-assessment of such mental states as rigidity, anxiety, etc. Stimulus material is a list of mental states that are characteristic or not characteristic of the subject. In the process of interpreting the results, the characteristic level of severity of the conditions being studied is determined for the subject.

Self-assessment analysis methods also include:

— A. Lipkina’s technique called “Three Assessments”, with the help of which the level of self-esteem, its stability or instability, and the argumentation of self-esteem are diagnosed;

— a test called “Assess yourself,” which allows you to determine the types of personality self-esteem (underestimated, overestimated, etc.);

- a technique called “Can I cope or not”, aimed at identifying an evaluative position.

In a general sense, diagnostic methods are focused on determining the degree of self-esteem, its adequacy, on studying general and private self-esteem, on identifying the relationship between the images of the “I” real and ideal.

Development of self-esteem

The formation of various aspects of self-esteem occurs at different age periods. In each individual period of an individual’s life, society or physical development prescribes to him the development of the most significant factor of self-esteem at the moment. It follows that the formation of personal self-esteem goes through certain stages of self-esteem development. Specific self-assessment factors should be formed in the most suitable period for this. Therefore, early childhood is considered the most significant period for the development of self-esteem. After all, it is in childhood that a person acquires fundamental knowledge and judgments about his own person, the world, and people. Much in the formation of an adequate level of self-esteem depends on the parents, their education, literacy in behavior towards the child, and the degree of their acceptance of the child. Since it is the family that is the first society for a small individual, and the process of studying the norms of behavior, assimilation of morals accepted in a given society is called socialization. The child in the family compares his behavior, himself with significant adults, imitates them. For children, receiving adult approval is important in early childhood. The self-esteem set by the parents is assimilated by the child unquestioningly.

In the preschool age period, parents try to instill in their children basic norms of behavior, such as correctness, politeness, cleanliness, sociability, modesty, etc. At this stage, it is impossible to do without patterns and stereotypes in behavior. So, for example, the female part of the population is taught from childhood that they should be soft, obedient and neat, and boys - that they should keep their emotions under control, because men do not cry. As a result of this patterned suggestion, children subsequently evaluate whether their peers have the necessary qualities. Whether such assessments will be negative or positive depends on the reasonableness of the parents.

In the primary school age, priorities begin to change. At this stage, school performance, diligence, mastering the rules of school behavior and communication in the classroom come to the fore. Now another social institution called school is added to the family. Children in this period begin to compare themselves with their peers, they want to be like everyone else or even better, they are drawn to an idol and an ideal. This period is characterized by labeling children who have not yet learned to draw independent conclusions. So, for example, restless, active child A child who finds it quite difficult to behave calmly and is unable to sit still will be called a hooligan, and a child who has difficulty mastering the school curriculum will be called an ignoramus or a lazy person. Since children in this age period do not yet know how to think critically about the opinions of others, the opinion of a significant adult will be authoritative, as a result of which it will be taken on faith, and the child will take it into account in the process of self-evaluation.

By the transitional age period, the dominant position is given to natural development, the child becomes more independent, transforms mentally and changes physically, and begins to fight for his own place in the hierarchy of his peers. Now his main critics are his peers. This stage is characterized by the formation of ideas about own appearance and success in society. At the same time, adolescents first learn to evaluate others and only after time themselves. The result of this is the well-known cruelty of adolescent individuals, which appears during fierce competition in the hierarchy of peers, when adolescents can already judge others, but do not yet know how to adequately evaluate themselves. Only by the age of 14 do individuals develop the ability to independently adequately evaluate others. At this age, children strive to know themselves, achieve self-esteem, and form self-esteem. Important at this stage is the feeling of belonging to a group of one’s own kind.

An individual always strives to be good, at least in his own eyes. Hence, if a teenager is not accepted in the school environment of his peers, is not understood in the family, then he will look for suitable friends in another environment, often ending up in the so-called “bad” company.

The next stage in the development of self-esteem begins after graduating from school and entering a higher educational institution or not entering. Now the individual is surrounded by a new environment. This stage is characterized by the maturation of yesterday’s teenagers. Therefore, in this period, the foundation consisting of assessments, templates, stereotypes that was created earlier under the influence of parents, peers, significant adults and other surroundings of the child will be important. By this stage, one of the core attitudes has usually already been developed, which is the perception of one’s own personality with a plus or minus sign. In other words, in this stage the individual enters with a formed good or negative attitude towards his own person.

An attitude is a kind of readiness of an individual to perform actions in a certain way, that is, it precedes any activity, behavioral reactions and even thoughts.

A subject with a negative attitude about himself will interpret any of his qualities or victories from a disadvantageous position for himself. In the event of his victories, he will consider that he was simply lucky, that the victory was not the result of his work. Such an individual is simply not able to notice and perceive his own positive features and quality, which leads to disruption of adaptation in society. Since society evaluates an individual by his behavior, and not only in accordance with his actions and actions.

An individual with a positive attitude will have stable high self-esteem. Such a subject will perceive any of his own failures as a tactical retreat.

In conclusion, it should be noted that, as many psychologists say, the individual goes through the key stages of self-esteem development in childhood, therefore the family and the existing relationships in it still play a fundamental role in the formation of an adequate level of self-esteem. Individuals whose families are based on mutual understanding and support in life become more successful, adequate, independent, successful and purposeful. However, along with this, in order to form an adequate level of self-esteem, proper conditions are necessary, which include relationships in the school community and among peers, good luck in college life, etc. Also, an individual’s heredity plays an important role in the formation of self-esteem.

Adequate self-esteem

The role of self-esteem in personality development is an almost fundamental factor for further successful life realization. After all, so often in life you can meet truly talented people, but who have not achieved success due to lack of confidence in their own potential, talent and strength. Therefore, developing an adequate level of self-esteem must be given Special attention. Self-esteem can be adequate and inadequate. The correspondence of an individual's opinion about his own potential to his real abilities is considered the main criterion for assessing this parameter. If an individual’s goals and plans are not feasible, it speaks of inadequate self-esteem, as well as with an excessively underestimated assessment of one’s potential. It follows that the adequacy of self-esteem is confirmed only in practice, when an individual is able to cope with the tasks set for himself, or the judgments of authoritative experts in a suitable field of knowledge.

Adequate self-esteem of a person is a realistic assessment by an individual of his own personality, qualities, potential, abilities, actions, etc. An adequate level of self-esteem helps the subject to treat his own person from a critical point of view, to correctly correlate his own strengths with goals of varying degrees of seriousness and with the needs of others. A number of factors can be identified that influence the development of an adequate level of self-esteem: one’s own thoughts and the structure of perception, the reaction of others, the experience of communicative interaction at school, among peers and in the family, various diseases, physical defects, injuries, the level of culture of the family, the environment and the individual himself, religion, social roles, professional fulfillment and status.

Adequate self-esteem gives an individual a feeling of inner harmony and stability. He feels confident, as a result of which he is able, as a rule, to build positive relationships with others.

Adequate self-esteem contributes to the manifestation of an individual’s own merits and, at the same time, to hide or compensate for existing defects. In general, adequate self-esteem leads to success in the professional sphere, society and interpersonal relationships, openness to feedback, which leads to the acquisition of positive life skills and experiences.

A high self-evaluation

Usually, it is generally accepted among ordinary people that the presence of a high level of self-esteem a priori leads to happy life and implementation in the professional sphere. However, this judgment, unfortunately, is far from the truth. Adequate self-esteem of an individual is not synonymous with a high level of self-esteem. Psychologists say that high self-esteem harms the individual no less than low self-esteem. An individual with high self-esteem is simply not able to accept and take into account other people’s opinions, views, and attitudes towards the value system of others. High self-esteem can be acquired negative forms manifestations expressed in anger and verbal defense.

Subjects with unstable high self-esteem tend to take a defensive position due to a far-fetched exaggeration of the threat, which can strike a blow to their self-esteem, level of confidence and offend. Therefore, such individuals are constantly in a tense and alert state. This enhanced defensive position indicates an inadequate perception of surrounding individuals and the environment, mental disharmony, and a low degree of self-confidence. Individuals with strong self-esteem, on the other hand, tend to perceive themselves with all the defects and flaws. They, as a rule, feel safe, as a result of which they are not inclined to blame others, use verbal defense mechanisms, or make excuses because of past mistakes and failures. Two signs of danger can be distinguished: unreasonably high judgments about oneself and an increased level.

In general, if an individual has a stable high level self-esteem isn't that bad. Often parents, without realizing it themselves, contribute to the formation of an inflated level of self-esteem in the child. At the same time, they do not understand that if the child’s developed inflated self-esteem is not supported by real abilities, this will lead to a decrease in the child’s self-confidence and an inadequate level of self-esteem downward.

Raising self-esteem

Human nature is designed in such a way that each individual, against his will, compares his own personality with others. Moreover, the criteria for such a comparison can be very different, ranging from income level to peace of mind.

Adequate self-esteem of a person can arise in individuals who know how to treat themselves rationally. They are aware that it is simply impossible to always be better than others, so they do not strive for this, as a result of which they are protected from disappointment due to dashed hopes. Individuals with a normal level of self-esteem communicate with others from a position of “equal terms”, without unnecessary ingratiation or arrogance. However, such people are rare. According to research, more than 80% of contemporaries have low self-esteem. Such individuals are confident that they are worse than those around them in everything. Individuals with low self-esteem are characterized by constant self-criticism, excessive emotional stress, a constantly present feeling of guilt and the desire to please everyone, constant complaints about their own lives, sad facial expressions and a stooped posture.

Raising self-esteem is considered a fairly effective method of success in interpersonal relationships in the professional and social spheres. After all, a subject who is satisfied with himself and enjoys life is much more attractive than an ever-complaining whiner who is actively trying to please and assent. However, you need to understand that increasing self-esteem does not happen overnight. Below are some tips to help normalize your level of self-esteem.

You need to remember one most important rule: you should never, under any circumstances, compare yourself to other people. After all, there will always be subjects in the environment who in some aspects will be worse or better than others. It must be taken into account that each personality is individual and has only its own set of qualities and characteristics. Constant comparison can only drive an individual into a blind corner, which will invariably lead to a loss of confidence. You should find your strengths, positive traits, inclinations and use them appropriately to the situation.

To raise self-esteem, it is important to be able to set goals, objectives and implement them. Therefore, you should write a list of goals and qualities with a plus sign that contribute to the achievement of such goals. At the same time, it is necessary to write a list of qualities that hinder the achievement of goals. This will make it clear to the individual that all failures are the result of his actions, and the personality itself does not affect this.

The next step on the path is to stop looking for flaws in yourself. After all, mistakes are not a tragedy, but just gaining experience in learning from your mistakes.

Compliments from others should be received with gratitude. Therefore, you need to answer “thank you” instead of “no need.” Such a response contributes to the perception by the individual’s psychology of a positive assessment of his own personality, and in the future it becomes his constant attribute.

The next tip is to change your environment. After all, it has a key impact on the level of self-esteem. People with a positive character are able to constructively and adequately evaluate the behavior and abilities of others, which can help increase confidence. Such people should prevail in the environment. Therefore, you need to constantly try to expand your circle of communicative interaction by meeting new people.

Individuals with an adequate level of self-esteem live guided by your own desires, dreams and goals. It is impossible to have normal self-esteem if you constantly do what others expect.

Please tell me, I have a lot of fears, not serious, not so much that I’m afraid to go out into the street or talk to someone, but I’m not confident in myself, it greatly affects my work. Low self-esteem. Then I get upset, often depressed. And if there is a blockage and pressure at work, then I panic and need help, someone who would listen and calm me down. What kind of specialist do I need? Thank you!

Good afternoon. I can't understand myself in relation to my young man. We've been together for six months. I have a desire to take care of him, spend time with him, sometimes probably even more than necessary, but at the same time I don’t understand what I want to get from this relationship in the future, whether I want to marry him and have children from this person. (I have a daughter). Sometimes it seems to me that I have some kind of dependence on a person and low self-esteem is hindering me. He, in turn, accepts normally when we don’t spend time together, he is very self-sufficient, but sometimes it seems to me that he basically doesn’t care.

• Good afternoon, Olga. Your young man cares; you correctly noted that when a person is self-sufficient, he does not cling to relationships, he always feels good. A self-sufficient person is interested and comfortable in solitude, it does not frighten him, but provides space for activities, while at the same time maintaining the ability to enjoy interaction. A self-sufficient person is free from any addictions and public opinion. The opposite form of psychological self-sufficiency is psychological dependence and the need for constant contact with a certain person. Now you have someone to take care of - this is your daughter, direct all your energy there. It will be important for your man that you also develop as a person and become internally strong.
  Keep in mind in a relationship that your man will not tolerate a person next to him who is trying to change him, but he will not change you either. It will not be possible to perform feminine manipulations with him, scandals and misunderstandings will be inappropriate - a self-sufficient man will simply wish for something pleasant life path without offending or harboring a grudge. But if your man decides to exchange his independence for marriage, then he, understanding the seriousness of this life step, will be responsible for you, new family and a child. These are very positive points.

The way a person treats himself “programs” him for further achievements. Self-perception plays a big role in everyone's life, so it should not be overlooked. Basic knowledge talking about this will not harm anyone, and, most likely, will even be beneficial. They will help highlight problematic points and, if possible, correct. The article talks about the concept of self-esteem, its formation, the possibility of change, the types and levels distinguished.

What is self-esteem

Self-esteem is the level of self-acceptance, the ability to critically analyze one's own capabilities. It is inextricably linked with self-love. A person with a bunch of complexes will not be able to experience this feeling until he gets rid of them. Self-esteem affects how easy it is for an individual to communicate with others, achieve goals, and develop. Those who have it too low experience serious difficulties in all areas.

The problem with low self-esteem is that its owners refuse to change. They are often sure that this attitude towards themselves will last for the rest of their lives. This is a misconception, because self-perception is influenced by many factors; it cannot be the same throughout life.

How self-esteem is formed

Its foundations are laid in childhood. After infancy, the child begins to understand the essence of comparisons, and self-esteem appears in his system of concepts. Parents should be careful with statements addressed to their son or daughter. Phrases like “Alina is a better student in all subjects” or “but Dima is already learning a second language by the time he is fourteen” do not motivate children. Rather, such expressions make them hate both Alina and Dima, and sometimes even their parents, who deal a blow to their self-esteem. A child/teenager should not think that he needs to earn the love of loved ones or try to outpace his peers in a contrived race. He needs, first of all, support and faith. On the contrary, praising also does not lead to the formation of an adequate assessment.

Adults who inspire a child to believe that he is the most talented, and that others are no match for him, are doing a disservice. Brought up on praise, even after puberty, incapable of self-criticism. This prevents them from developing and eradicating their own shortcomings. Some of those who at one time received an “overdose” of compliments and flattery, mature age they become downtrodden and unsociable. This pattern of behavior is the result of a combination of parental actions and harsh reality. Understanding that he is not unique in his own uniqueness leads a person to depression and other mental disorders.

In addition, a number of other factors influence self-esteem, including environment(classmates, classmates, work colleagues, relatives), financial situation, education. Many complexes come from school. Victims of bullying spend a long time coping with their fears and are susceptible to phobias for the rest of their lives. Comparing one’s own financial situation with the income of more successful people greatly affects self-esteem. But self-evaluation is not static; it changes throughout life, the level depends, among other things, on the efforts of its owner.

Types of self-esteem

There are three main types. Their names are used not only in psychology, but also in everyday life. You can often hear phrases like “he has inadequate self-esteem.” Classification helps to understand how individuals evaluate themselves, how close their opinion is to objectivity.

Adequate self-esteem- a type that, unfortunately, is characteristic of a minority of people. Its owners know how to treat their abilities sensibly and do not deny shortcomings, trying to get rid of them. In addition, the emphasis is on strengths that are actively developing. Few are capable of adequate self-criticism. Often one can observe two extremes - either too much self-flagellation, or inflated self-esteem.

Radical qualities are signs of the second type of self-esteem, which is usually called distorted(inadequate). Its formation is almost always the result of complexes, obvious or hidden. Often, behind high self-esteem lies insecurity and attempts to appear better in the eyes of others. The understated one is distinguished by the fact that its owner directly broadcasts his own complexes - he talks about them to others, behaves accordingly (stiffness, tightness, difficulties in communication).

There is another type that is common to the majority - mixed. It means that at certain moments in life a person treats himself differently. He is able to adequately evaluate actions/deeds, devote time to excessive self-criticism, and sometimes overestimate his own skills. Unfortunately, most people fail to maintain balance, and such “fluctuations” are fraught with mental problems.

Levels of self-esteem

There are three main levels, as well as types. They demonstrate a degree of self-love, the ability to see both positive and negative traits, proximity to balance. The levels are related to the species, but there are still differences, which will be discussed further.

Low

The first one, the least loved by everyone. They try to get rid of low self-esteem in every possible way. There are thousands of techniques that tell you how to deal with complexes, and some of them are effective. Level refers to distorted perception; it is characterized by an inability to praise oneself, underestimation of one's merits, a high level of anxiety, and constant comparisons with others who are more successful. It is easy to offend those who have problems with self-esteem - it is enough to simply joke about them or hint at a lack of appearance/knowledge. Low self-esteem creates a lot of inconvenience. It's really worth fighting.

Normal

One of the indicators that a person does not have serious mental health problems. He knows how to listen to his inner voice, analyzes his own mistakes, and is able to make jokes about himself. At the same time, such a person will not allow her to be insulted, forced to do useless, tedious work, or have her rights ignored. This level is worth striving for, because it is recognized as optimal.

High

The third level is inherent to those who focus on their strengths, overlooking their shortcomings. It is no less dangerous than low. This type of self-perception is not adequate. People with high self-esteem easily ignore constructive criticism. It is difficult for them to leave their comfort zone; they resist it with all their might. Rigidity of beliefs, rejection of others is a big problem. Its danger also lies in the difficulty of recognition. It is believed that someone who vehemently defends his position is strong, confident, and reliable. But there is also back side medals: unshakable beliefs hinder development, do not provide the opportunity to learn or try something new.

As a result- self-esteem directly depends on living conditions, upbringing and environment. However, unfavorable factors are not a reason to give up on yourself. With a strong desire, one’s attitude towards oneself can be successfully adjusted, and there are many examples of downtrodden, indecisive men and women turning into liberated, strong individuals. It all starts with awareness of problems, the desire to change for the better and, of course, effort.

In the course of his life, a person as a social being constantly receives assessment of his actions and actions both from the people around him, who occupy an important place in his life, and from society as a whole. Based on such assessments, during the life course of each person, self-esteem is formed, which has a significant impact on the functioning of such mental components of the individual’s mental activity as self-discipline and self-control. A person’s self-esteem is also the most important component of a person’s self-concept, or rather its evaluative side. The self-concept is the core of personality and is based on the knowledge that a person has acquired during his life about himself and under the direct influence of his self-esteem.

Self-esteem(or a person’s assessment of himself, his qualities, capabilities and position among other people), being the core of personality, plays the role of the most important regulator of human behavior and actions. It depends on it whether a person will live in harmony with the world around him and how successfully he will build relationships with others. Self-esteem influences all spheres of a person’s life, as well as his life position (it affects a person’s relationships with other people and society as a whole, the level of demands and criticism of himself, the formation of an individual’s attitude towards his successes or failures, etc. .d.). Therefore, self-esteem not only affects the effectiveness and success of a person’s activities at the moment, but also determines the entire subsequent process of development of the individual himself.

Human self-esteem: definition and features

In psychology, self-esteem is defined as essential component Self-concept of personality, as the value and significance that a person attributes to both individual aspects of his personality, behavior and activities, and to himself as a whole. A person’s self-esteem is most often understood as his subjective assessment of his capabilities (this includes physical, intellectual, emotional-volitional, and communication capabilities), moral qualities, his attitude towards himself and others, as well as his place in society.

Although self-esteem contains built-up personal meanings and meanings, as well as systems of relationships and values, it is at the same time a rather complex mental form of the inner world of people, reflecting the nature of a person’s self-attitude, the degree of his self-esteem, the level of aspiration and value acceptance of himself or rejection. Self-esteem has many functions, including special role belongs to protective and regulatory functions.

In psychology, the first serious attempts to study the nature of self-esteem and the features of its formation were made by American psychologist and the philosopher William James, who devoted many of his works to developing the problematic of the “I”. W. James believed that a person’s self-esteem can be of the following kind:

• complacency which finds its manifestation in pride, arrogance, arrogance and vanity;
• discontent, manifested in modesty, embarrassment, shame, uncertainty, remorse, despair, humiliation and awareness of one’s shame.

The formation of self-esteem, its nature, functions and connection with other mental manifestations of human life were also of interest to many domestic psychologists. For example, S.L. Rubinstein saw in self-esteem, which is inextricably linked with a person’s self-awareness, primarily the core of personality, which is based both on people’s assessment of the individual and on this individual’s assessment of those around him. Self-esteem, according to the psychologist, is based on values ​​(which a person accepts) that determine, at the intrapersonal level, the mechanisms of self-regulation and self-control by a person of his behavior and activities.

Aida Zakharova, known in scientific circles in the last century (she studied the genesis of self-esteem), saw in a person’s self-esteem the nuclear formation of personality. Through this formation, in her opinion, the refraction and subsequent mediation of all lines occurs mental development and personality development. In this context, one cannot lose sight of the statements of A.N. Leontyev, who believed that self-esteem is an essential condition that provides an opportunity for an individual to become a person.

In the psychological literature, self-esteem is associated with the level of aspiration of the individual, and this approach originates in the works of one of the representatives of Gestalt psychology, Kurt Lewin. The level of aspiration in psychology is understood as a certain desire of a person to achieve a goal, which, in his own opinion, is characterized by the level of complexity with which he is able to cope. Thus, the level of aspirations is seen as the level of difficulties of those goals and tasks that a person chooses for himself, and they are formed primarily due to the influence of past successes or failure in activity. That is why successes in past activities (and more specifically, the subject of the activity’s experience of his own achievements as successful or unsuccessful) contribute to an increase in the level of aspiration and, accordingly, cause an increase in a person’s self-esteem.

In principle, all theoretical approaches to the study of self-esteem can be conditionally grouped into three main groups according to the aspect or function that has been given priority (they are described in the table).

Theoretical ideas about human self-esteem

Analysis of the main theoretical approaches to the problem of human self-esteem allows scientists to highlight the main points that help in understanding the essence of this psychological category. The following features of self-esteem should be highlighted:

• self-esteem, being one of the components of the “I-concept” of an individual (self-awareness) and is in close connection with its other components (self-attitude, self-knowledge and self-regulation);
• The understanding of self-esteem is based on assessments and emotions;
• self-esteem is inseparable from the motives of the individual, his goals, beliefs, ideals, values ​​and value orientations;
• self-esteem is also a mechanism for self-regulation of human behavior and activity;
• self-esteem can be studied both as a process and as a result;
• analysis of self-esteem as a process presupposes the presence of an internal basis and comparison with the norms of society, the standards accepted in it and with other people.

A person’s self-esteem performs many different functions, namely: regulatory, protective, developmental, prognostic, etc., which are described in more detail in the table.

Self-assessment functions

So, a person’s self-esteem presupposes his assessment of himself as a whole and individual components of his personality, namely his actions and actions, his qualities and relationships, his orientation and beliefs, and much more. Increasing a person’s self-esteem depends on many factors, among which the presence of successful experience, praise and support from others, as well as the temporary characteristics of self-esteem itself are of particular importance. So self-esteem can be stable and retain all its characteristics, regardless of the situation and external stimuli, and unstable, that is, changing depending on external influences and internal state personality. A person’s self-esteem is closely related to his level of aspirations (they also influence the formation of self-esteem), which can have different levels - low, medium and high.

In addition to the fact that self-esteem is associated with a person’s self-awareness and his level of aspirations, its formation is influenced by: the needs for self-affirmation and self-development, the general orientation of the individual, the level of development of cognitive processes and the emotional-volitional sphere, general state a person and, of course, society, or rather the opinions and assessments of surrounding people (especially significant ones).

Types and levels of personality self-esteem

In psychology, a person’s self-esteem is characterized (and accordingly divided into certain types) by many parameters, namely:

• depending on the level (or magnitude) of self-esteem, it can be high, medium or low;
• according to its realism, adequate and inadequate self-esteem are distinguished, among which underestimated and overestimated are distinguished;
• depending on the peculiarities of the structure of self-esteem, it can be conflicting and conflict-free (it can also be called constructive and destructive);
• As for the temporal relationship, there are prognostic, current and retrospective self-esteem;
• Depending on the strength of self-esteem, it can be stable or unstable.

In addition to those listed, there is also general self-esteem (or global), which reflects the rewards experienced by a person or the censure of one’s actions, deeds and qualities, and private self-esteem (it relates only to certain external traits or qualities of a person).

Most often in the psychological literature there is a division of self-esteem into low, average (or adequate) and high. All these levels of self-esteem are formed under the influence of assessments from the outside, which subsequently develop into a person’s self-esteem. The most optimal level of self-esteem for a person is adequate, at which a person correctly (really) evaluates his capabilities, actions, deeds, character traits and personality traits. A person who has this level of self-esteem always objectively evaluates both his successes and his failures, therefore he tries to set achievable goals and, accordingly, more often achieves good results.

It should be noted that in psychology the phrase “optimal self-esteem” is also used, to which most psychologists include the following levels:

• average level of self-esteem;
• above average;
• high level of self-esteem.

All other levels that do not fall into the category of optimal self-esteem are considered suboptimal (these include low and high self-esteem). Low self-esteem indicates a person who underestimates himself and is not confident in own strength. Most often, people with such self-esteem do not undertake to start a new business for themselves, do not like to be the center of attention and try not to take on excessive responsibility. Psychologists say that there are two types of low self-esteem:

• low level of self-esteem and low level of aspirations (excessively low self-esteem, when a person exaggerates all his shortcomings);
• low level of self-esteem and high level of aspirations (has another name - the inadequacy effect, which can indicate an inferiority complex formed in a person and a constant internal feeling of increased anxiety).

Inflated self-esteem indicates that a person often overestimates his capabilities and himself. Such people have various unfounded claims towards the people around them and the situations that have arisen. People with high self-esteem do not know how to build constructive relationships with people around them, and therefore often contribute to the destruction of interpersonal contacts.

It is necessary for a person to know the level of self-esteem, because this will help him, if necessary, direct his efforts to correct it. Modern psychological science gives many different tips on how to increase self-esteem and make it adequate.

Formation and development of self-esteem

The formation of a person’s self-esteem begins in the preschool period, and parents and surrounding adults have the greatest influence on this process. Thus, parents can unconsciously form low self-esteem in a child if they do not trust him, constantly emphasize his carelessness and irresponsibility (for example, telling the child “don’t take the mug, otherwise you will break it, don’t touch the phone, you will break it,” etc.). Or, on the contrary, the development of a child’s self-esteem can go in the direction of overestimating it if parents excessively praise the child, exaggerating his abilities and merits (for example, saying that the child is never to blame for anything, and the blame lies with other children, teachers, etc.). d.).

A child’s self-esteem is formed under the influence of many factors, namely:

• parental influence, their assessment and personal example;
• media, information technology;
• social environment;
• educational institutions (preschool, and then secondary, secondary special and higher)
• upbringing;
• personality traits of the child himself, the level of his intellectual development;
• the orientation of the child’s personality and the level of his aspirations.

At primary school age, the development of self-esteem is influenced by the leading type of activity in this period - learning, which is most realized in school. It is here, under the influence of the teacher’s assessment, his approval or rejection, that the child’s self-esteem begins to actively form.

A serious influence on the formation of assessment in adolescence is exerted by the child’s desire to establish himself in the group of classmates and take a significant place in it, as well as the desire to gain authority and respect from them. Among the main sources of the formation of value judgments, which will subsequently affect the level of self-esteem of a teenager, the following should be noted:

• family;
• school;
• reference group;
• intimate and personal communication

The development of a person’s self-esteem occurs due to the internalization of external assessments and social reactions to a particular individual. Here we should remember the representative of the humanistic trend in psychology, Carl Rogers, who said that a person’s self-esteem is always formed on the basis of its assessment by the people around it. An important role in the process of forming a person’s self-esteem is also given to the comparison of images of “I”, namely the real Self (who I really am) with the ideal Self (what I want to be). Also, one should not underestimate the influence of communication with other people, because it is in the process of interpersonal interaction that a person receives the most evaluations in his address.

So, self-esteem is not a constant value, since it is dynamic and changes under the influence of various factors, life circumstances and conditions of the surrounding reality.

In progress personal growth and the implementation of their own plans for life, each person turns to his self-esteem, which represents psychological characteristics each individual individually. Its presence, type and characteristics partly represent a person’s psychotype. Changing self-esteem is a very difficult process that requires complex and deep work with the individual. Against the backdrop of insufficient and incompetent treatment, the true essence of a person will break through “out” during interaction with the public. Each individual must understand what emotions he actually experiences towards himself.

Self-esteem: what is it?

Self-esteem is the ability to evaluate your intellectual and physical capabilities, see yourself from the outside and evaluate your own actions and actions. It allows a person to form an opinion about his abilities and make a decision regarding any action. Self-esteem is part of the core of personality and regulates the behavior of the individual. It has a direct impact on the effectiveness of activities and contributes to the development of other human qualities. The degree of difficulty of the tasks assigned to the task depends on the level of self-esteem. The discrepancy between the expected result and the actual result leads a person to emotional discomfort. Emotions such as aggression, disappointment, depression and anxiety arise. The ability to perceive new information, develop intellectually and interact with the outside world depends on the level of self-esteem.

The concept of self-esteem includes two main functions for the individual - regulatory and protective. On the basis of the first, tasks are solved and one’s own abilities are assessed, the second ensures personal independence and stability. In a developed individual, it reflects holistic acceptance and rejection of oneself. Self-esteem has certain formation criteria:

• Own image. It is created by comparing one’s inner “I” with the ideal to which the individual strives. The discrepancy between these ideas determines the zone of growth and development. Helps a person to abandon negative character traits and develop positive ones. It is an auxiliary element in social adaptation.
• Mathematical quantity. This criterion shows the difference between desires and needs and the real capabilities of an individual. The difference in indicators characterizes the failure of the individual and overestimation of one’s own capabilities.
• Interiorization. Represents a transition from external factors on personal qualities. Each individual evaluates himself not only from an internal point of view, but also depending on the attitude of others. This criterion reflects the degree of dependence on the opinion of society and shows receptivity to it.
• Efficiency. Inside his consciousness, the person evaluates each result obtained in relation to the initially set goal. The greater the difference between expected and actual, the higher the degree of deviation from an adequate perception of oneself and one’s capabilities.
• Alignment with the ideal. Other individuals who have a higher social status, the degree of influence on others and are important in the life of an individual. In the process of life, there is a constant comparison of one’s own “I” with their capabilities and achievements.

Age characteristics

The main characteristics of harmonious self-esteem are formed in childhood and laid down in the process of education. They are influenced by the level of parents’ assessment of the actions taken and the comfortable microclimate within the family. The formation of character qualities occurs at the moment of personality formation.

The main peak in the development of self-awareness occurs during adolescence and adolescence. Up to this point, the foundations for perceiving oneself in relation to the world around us and one’s position in society are laid. Based on relationships in the family, preschoolers develop a predisposition to develop personal qualities. The first tests for social adaptation and established character traits are carried out at the age of 6 years. When a child enters first grade, a child psychologist works with him, who determines the zone further growth and development of personal qualities.

IN primary school Responsibility is partially shifted to the teacher, but the key position in the formation of adequate self-esteem in younger schoolchildren is still occupied by parents. They are more authoritative for the child and spend more time next to him. For high school students, subjects such as psychology and sociology are included in the compulsory education program. They help in the stabilization process and facilitate a deep process of self-awareness.

Early adolescence is considered a critical period for the development of self-awareness. Due to the individual characteristics of each child, his age range ranges from 10 to 15 years. The final formation of personality by psychological standards should occur by the age of 21. The period of formation is very complex and goes through several stages of formation. First, the teenager begins to study his inner world and learn about your interests, then goes deeper and examines yourself in relation to the outside world. This is the most unstable time; any outside influences can leave their mark on the emerging personality type. By the end of formation, a person must have an idea of ​​himself within the framework of the “I-concept”.

Kinds

In psychology, each individual type of self-esteem has a clear definition and its inherent characteristics that reflect the behavior of the individual. All types are conventionally divided into their constituent bases:

• Closeness to reality: adequate, inadequate self-esteem.
• Level: high, medium and low.
• Stability: stable, floating.
• Degree of coverage: specific, general, situational.

The self-esteem of one person can include several types at once. There is no ideal combination formula; everyone has their own immediate set of qualities that characterize the individual as a person.

Characteristics of species

Adequate and inadequate self-esteem reflects the ability to perceive oneself and one’s actions objectively or subjectively. Adequate is optimal, because in this case a balance is maintained between desires and capabilities. Such people achieve the goals they set for themselves with the greatest success, can objectively assess their benefit to others, and complete their tasks. Inadequate self-esteem can be overestimated or underestimated. Regardless of this, the individual exhibits disturbances in the perception of reality, which affects his abilities and performance. Such people have a deformed perception of personal qualities, problems with motivation and the emotional-volitional sphere.

Manifestations of low self-esteem are:

• lack of self-confidence;
• shyness, timidity, indecisiveness.

Overestimated has the opposite manifestations:

• overestimation of strength;
• own idealization;
• arrogance;
• reluctance to admit defeat;
• self-confidence and rejection of criticism.

A high level of self-esteem characterizes successful people who are not afraid of difficult tasks and are always ready to be useful to others. In practice, such individuals are strong in spirit and quickly rise through the ranks. career ladder. This is due to the high level of motivating factors.

Individuals with an average level are distinguished by their stability. They do not place high hopes on their own results and do not take on projects that they are not confident will be implemented. To achieve something greater, they lack a breakthrough, but they do not fall below what they already have.

Low levels of self-esteem are the lot of weak and insecure individuals. Lack of motivation is usually triggered by previous failures or fear of competing with stronger rivals.

Stable or floating self-esteem characterizes the stage of human formation. In psychology, the core of personality is considered ready already in adolescence, when the transition period ends. Those with a strong life position, satisfied with their internal qualities and themselves as a whole, are considered stable. People with floating self-esteem are subject to constant self-control and re-evaluation of their actions. Rational perception of one's own mistakes and their correction leads to stabilization.

Private self-esteem allows you to criticize certain qualities of a person’s behavior.

General or global - is a manifestation of the importance of an individual in society, reflects his values ​​and emotional spectrum.

Situational, or operational, allow you to evaluate a specific action or circumstance. A person develops an opinion and attitude as a whole towards the situation that has arisen.

Determination methods

The Dembo-Rubinstein technique allows you to determine three main personality parameters: level, stability and realism. The essence of the method is to distribute the proposed qualities on a scale of significance. A simple analysis of the location of points along poles and scales reflects only superficial criteria of self-esteem. A more detailed study of the individual requires interpretation of the test by a competent psychologist. He may ask to comment on the location of the mark and give a more detailed analysis.

The quantitative method for determining self-esteem is carried out according to Budassi. This way you can identify its adequacy and extent. The author offers 48 adjectives that characterize personality, which must be arranged according to ranks of importance. The subject must indicate for each characteristic numerical indicators that reflect the real presence of the quality and the desired, necessary in an ideal representation of oneself. The result is determined using rank correlations.

The Cattell test is common in employment and other types of questionnaires. With its help you can identify the stability and adequacy of the individual. When filling out the questionnaire, 16 main factors are revealed that are decisive in the behavioral and emotional spheres of a person.

To determine the self-esteem of schoolchildren, V. Shchur’s technique called “Ladder” is often used. It has a group and individual form. In the first case, it is used within the classroom and shows the relationships between children and their own perceptions in relation to the team. In the second, it is carried out individually with each student, reflecting the degree of personality development disorders. The child is asked to place himself and other students in the class on a staircase of seven steps, where diligent and authoritative children are on the first, and those who are opposite to them are on the seventh.

In their work, psychologists also use more complex methods, for example, according to Eysenck, the implementation of which takes a lot of time and requires a specific interpretation of the result, focused on a specific person. This is necessary for a more accurate diagnosis of disorders and determination of the right tactics for correcting character traits inherent in a person.