Self Esteem Etiology

Etiology of low self-esteem and its consequences on mental health In today’s world of technology, competition among people is increasing day by day. On the one hand, if one is trying hard to reach his destiny. Then, on the other hand, others fail to fulfill their goals. This leads to the feeling that one is not able to stand on the demands of the external and internal world and considers one worthless. Self-confidence is a key of success. However, some are born with it while others have to strive hard to gain it. Some gain self-confidence with the passage of time while some do not gain it throughout their lifespan and this becomes barrier in the growth of their life. One can only acquire success when he has self-confidence and it can only

88). Low self-esteem results when real and self-ideal do not match. In my opinion, all people may suffer from low self-esteem in any stage of life, but continuous and chronic feelings of worthlessness may lead to mental illness. If a person gets succeed in an event, to which he gives significance, he will be having high self-esteem but if he gets fail in that significant life event, then it will affect his level of self-esteem negatively. Similarly, if a person gets fail in the insignificant events, it will not affect greatly to his self-esteem. This is also supported by literature that if one sees oneself capable in areas of essentialness, where one tries to exceed expectations, one will have high self-esteem. On the other hand, if one misses the mark regarding one's perfect by being unsuccessful in spaces where one seeks to be able, low self-esteem will come about. (Harter, 1993, p. 88). The life events which causes low self-esteem in oneself are child abuse, bullying, punishment, recurrent failure in academics and professional life, unemployment, financial problems, failure to meet expectations of family, teachers and friends, family disharmony, chronic illness, body image disturbance, low or high body weight, poor body shape, unsuccessful sexual relations. Other reasons of low self-esteem are lack of unconditional positive

At primary level of prevention, educational programs should be arranged at schools in order to make children capable enough, so they can explore their strengths and weaknesses so by enhancing their skills and improving their areas of need, they can build their future. Another strategy that can be used to enhance the positive self esteem in clients is by self analysis which can also be done through johari window. According to Luft & Ingham (2004), the johari window gives an influential lens into how others see us. (p. 255). By self awareness, client will be able to identify own strengths and qualities and in this his self-esteem can be improved. Other than this, cognitive behavior therapy can also help in enhancing the self-esteem of a client by cognitive reframing. A client can modify his thinking, behavior and attitude towards oneself by restructuring his thoughts and beliefs. A cognitive behavior therapy has clinical benefits in a regard that it decreases psychotic symptoms, enhance self-esteem and improve social functioning. (Hall & Tarrier, 2003, p. 317). A study was done involving 26 experimental group patients dividing further into two sub groups. One group received cognitive behavior therapy while other group served as a comparison group Pretest, posttest and follow-ups were conducted. It was observed that the group which received therapy experienced greater cognitive improvements including that