Building Your Self-Esteem

Sean hates school, and feels like he has no friends. He feels shy around other students because he thinks they're all better, smarter, and funnier than he is. What can Sean do to improve his self-esteem?

Answers may vary but should contain some of the following elements: Sean needs to accept himself. He should set goals to work on his weaknesses and reward himself for progress. He needs to talk to himself in a positive way and surround himself with friends who support him and his positive choices.

People with low _______ often criticize themselves and others. a. self-talk b. self-esteem c. self-actualization d. self-concept

B

Some psychologists believe that self-esteem is the most important influence on mental well-being. Why do you think self-esteem is so important?

If you don't have good self-esteem, you won't have confidence in yourself, feel worthwhile, make good decisions, experience acceptance, or give and receive love. All of these factors negatively affect your relations with family and friends and how you do in school and at work. Low self-esteem is linked to self-destructive behaviors, such as alcohol abuse and abuse of other drugs, depression, and destructive behavior.

Replacing negative____ with positive messages about your abilities is a very effective way of improving your self-esteem.

Self talk

List five ways in which you can build your self-esteem.

Students should list 5 of the following 10 entries. 1. Make a list of your strengths. 2. Try something new. 3. Have fun. 4. Choose friends who support you and your positive choices. 5. Reward yourself when you do well. 6. Cheer yourself through hard times. 7. Speak positively about yourself and others. 8. Take care of your physical health. 9. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or for other community service. 10. Make it a goal to improve a weakness.

What are two benefits of high self-esteem?

Two of these: respects self and others/increased ability to reach goals/willingness to try new things/self-confidence/speaks up for self/adjusts to change/feels valuable to society