Causes of Low Self-Esteem

One of the greatest obstacles to success in life and in work is low self-esteem. If we have low self-esteem we do not have confidence in ourselves and our abilities.

Confidence in ourselves is a critical driver for us to move forward in life…

Not only can low self-esteem cause us to lose a job opportunity, but it can have very serious effects – leading some to depression and potentially to suicide attempts, eating disorders, teenage pregnancy, possible delinquency, and to the possibility we will be victimized as we don’t feel worthy of better treatment.

What really is self-esteem, and what are the causes of low self-esteem?

According to the Joseph Rowntree foundation (Source; www.jrf.org.uk) the scientific community has not been in total agreement on the definition of 'self-esteem'.

However, there are two general definitions of self-esteem that have been put forth:

• A feeling about oneself that can be either positive or negative, and

• The result of judgments that are made about one’s abilities.

The study of self-esteem depends on which definition the researcher accepts.

Some possible causes of low self-esteem may include a person’s success or failure. For example, those individuals who have it “easier” in school, may have higher self-esteem than those who struggle and still can’t make the grade.

Other factors studied include personal appearance. If we don’t think we’re good looking, our self-esteem will be affected negatively. We may always feel someone else is better looking, or just “better” than we are.

However, the largest influence on self-esteem according to research is one’s parents.

Parenting style will have a great influence on how the child perceives himself or herself at an early age. Does the parent accept the child as he or she is, and make he or she feel that they can succeed. Or, does the parent put the child down, constantly criticize and give no positive reinforcement?

Along with parenting, there are genetic considerations. It is thought that the parents may carry on genes that will make a child feel more or less self-esteem.

Along with parenting influences, the most damaging behavior to a child’s self-esteem is violent, abusive behavior, and family conflict.

The good news is that it is possible to raise one’s self-esteem even after years of wrongful influences. It may take time, but as one grows older, and is influenced and encouraged by loving and caring individuals, self-esteem will grow. An individual who has once had low self-esteem can suddenly blossom with the right influence.

Other resources:

• The Missing Link: Building Some Self Worth!
• Eliminate Self-Doubt from Your Life
• How Can I Improve My Self-Esteem?

Let me know what do you think? Add your comment below…

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Photo by Mr. Caulfield– flickr.com.