Self-Esteem

S. Thomaes*, A. Poorthuis, S. Nelemans

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Self-esteem refers to how much worth or value people place on themselves as a person. Historically, it has been one of the most widely studied traits in adolescent psychology. It has been long assumed that self-esteem would have a strong impact on a great number of vital aspects of adolescents' psychological functioning and well-being. Its actual benefits, however, turned out to be rather disappointing. This article discusses the meaning, development, causes, and consequences of adolescent self-esteem. It also addresses some of the controversies that surround the topic. Psychologists increasingly acknowledge that there is more to self-esteem than whether it is high or low - a 'new look' that promises to greatly enhance our understanding of adolescent self-esteem and its consequences.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Adolescence
EditorsB. Brown, M. Prinstein
Place of PublicationSan Diego
PublisherElsevier
Pages316-324
Number of pages9
Volume1
ISBN (Print)9780123739513
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Publication series

Namevolume 1

Keywords

  • Genetic influences
  • Implicit self-esteem
  • Intervention
  • Narcissism
  • Parenting influences
  • Peer influences
  • Self-esteem
  • Self-esteem movement
  • Self-perceived competence
  • Sociometer theory
  • State self-esteem

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