What is self-esteem and its types?

It is important to have mastery overhow we perceive eventshappening around us, but even more important is to have mastery over howwe perceiveourselves, which is known as self-esteem.

This appreciation affects and can greatly affect theability to interactand also howwe can perceive the eventsin our environment.

In the following article, we explain whatself-esteem consists of, what its essential characteristics and types are.

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is simply apositive or negative assessment based on self-perception. It is also considered aself-concept, that is, an appreciation of how someone thinks, evaluates or perceives themselves consciously. (1)

On some occasions, this assessment is made in emotional situations thatdo not allow a fair appreciationof what we really are, that is, it is a circumstantial state.

What are the types of self-esteem?

Self-esteemcan comein various forms, depending on the temporary or permanent perception that the individual has of himself. Here are the following:

1. High and stable

People located in this type of self-esteem, have and maintain a very positive perception and self-image. They are not affected by other people’s negative comments and defend their point of view. Additionally, they manage to develop successfully throughout life.

To highlight: Theyare generally stable people, enjoy a healthy appearance and have a tendency towards perfectionism.

2. High and unstable

In this group are those people who, despitebeing valued positively, negative emotional states make them collapse temporarily.

This type of persondoes not accept contrary positions or accept failure. Similarly, people included in this type of self-esteem are influenced by third parties and tend to get out of control easily. They do not haveenough psychological defensesto face stressful circumstances.

You should know: The word self-esteem isnot exclusiveto the field of mental health, as it is used in different contexts.

3. Low and stable

Here are located peoplewho undervalue themselvesand think that they cannot achieve the things they propose. Their behavior is full ofindecisiveness to actand there is the continuous fear of making mistakes.

Note: Criticism often undermines what little security they may have and has a tendencyto depression. This behavior usually remains stable over time.

4. Low and unstable

Here are present those people whousually show a low profileand think that they can never achieve anything andflee from conflicts, even if they think they are right.

In the same way, the personshows a total insecurityin their acts so sometimes they prefer not to perform them, they are usually very sensitiveand easily fall prey to stressful situations. They rarely show spikes in high self-esteem, but they don’t usually last long.

You should know: Low self-esteem orlack of self-esteem can lead to theappearance of emotionaldisorders such asdepressionoranxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, addictions or suicidal behaviors.

5. Inflated

This is an additional classification that some authors use, to includepeople whofeel superiorto the rest around them. They have no interest in listening to the opinions of other individuals or paying attention to their opinions.

To highlight: In general, people withinflated self-esteemare perfectionists, do not tolerate failure, want to be the center of attention and often practice bullying.

How to improve self-esteem?

There are severalpractices to improvethe perceptionwe have of ourselves, whether positive or negative. Here are some of them:

1. Avoid negative thoughts

A very effective practice, but perhaps requiring additional help, isto avoid negative thoughts. One way to do this is to surround yourself with people with positive thoughts and to perform entertainment activities in a group.

Note: Also join other activitiesthat entertain your mindand feed it with positive thoughts and emotions such as sports activities,meditation, yoga, among others.

2. Determine what can be changed

It is incongruous to set goals that are impossible or unlikely to be achieved. In this aspect, the individual must focuson what he can really do and change, including his personality.

Important: No one changes things or their personality overnight; This is aprocess that occursgradually and progressively.

3. Valuing achievements and accepting failures

Another important aspect to improve self-esteem is tovalue the achievements obtained by making them their own and makingthem aware that things can be achieved but the participation of other actors is necessary.

To highlight: Another effective therapy isto learn from failures, evaluate what could be done and reserve it in the experience as a future support tool.

4. Undertake new activities and set achievable goals

Doing the same things every day prevents the development of people’s physical and intellectual abilities andalso does not allow you to measure how far your actions can go.

Therefore, accepting new challenges that represent a feasibility in its achievement, can positively changethe perception and valuation of oneself.

Important: The thinking man has always needed the help of others to achieve his goals. In this context, do not become the exception.

Key Findings

• Self-esteem isthe self-perceptionof how we feel or value.
• It is usually asubjective and introspective evaluation andis usually influenced by temporary moods.
• Self-esteem usually presents itself in two forms, low self-esteem and high self-esteem, although there is a more detailed classification.
• This negative self-assessment can give rise to a series ofpsychological disorderssuch as depression and anxiety.
• Self-esteem can be balanced bypracticing activities that improve self-perception.