In the study of perception and especially self-perception the concept of self-esteem always comes up. Going to any bookstore will turn up untold numbers of self-help books that promise to improve self-esteem. High self-esteem has often been paired with the idea of self-fulfilling prophecy and therefore linked to high performance. The message these self-help books are selling is that all it takes to do better is too like yourself better.
Does this idea they are selling make sense? Is this idea supported by research? Here are some articles that provide some insight into those questions. Does High Self-esteem Cause Better Performance, Interpersonal Success, Happiness or Healthier Lifestyles? by Roy F. Baumeister, et al, The Self-esteem Fraud by Nina H. Shokraii and The Trouble with Self-esteem by Dr. Michael R. Edelstein.
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7 comments:
Aren't "Self-Help" books an oxy-moron? If we could help ourselves, we wouldn't need a book would we?
I'm not a psychologist, or even a councelor (but i play one on tv); but as most of us are, I am a student of human nature. Having been human most of my life, as well as lived with and interacted with humans on almost a daily basis; I feel that "self-esteem" is really a misnomer. We are who we are because of other people, our surroundings and up-bringing. If we were raised in a bubble without human contact, then it would be true "self-esteem", otherwise, we are all just subconscious actors in a very big play. We are who we really are when we are alone and naked.
thank you for your time and attention, had this been an actual emeregency, you would have been directed to your local channels for further updates.
M.E. Doss
Speaking strictly from personal experience, I think self-esteem and success are directly linked and happen simultaneously. It’s a bit like the chicken/egg dilemma – it’s tough to tell which comes first, but at the same time I think they can occur in any order depending on the person, the personality or the situation.
Case in point – when I went back to college as an adult, I had no self-esteem or sense that I would succeed. It took just a short time to fit in to the culture and to realize some successes. I graduated cum laude.
Another case – when I left my marriage, my self-esteem blossomed. Because the marriage was a contentious, mentally abusive situation, I felt confident and empowered almost instantly. Mind you, I had no job and I was living with my parents again, but the feeling of being freed from a mentally exhausting situation was liberating and I began to realize for the first time who I was and from there, I grew as a person.
Perhaps the answer lies right in the middle of the self-esteem/success arguments. Self-esteem certainly can be cultivated, but it can also come from small acts of bravery or being in situations that require you to scrap your way out.
On the subject of "Self-Help" books, most people read them up to the place where they say "Now this is what you need to do". They don't take action. Change is a fearful adventure at times.
On "Self-esteem", I believe success breeds success. I canfeed off of my success, but refuse to let setbacks keep me down.
Self-esteem is vital to have in life. You need it not only for your happiness but to help you achieve your own goals. If you believe in yourself then you can achieve anything. At least that's my personal opinion. As for "Self Help" books, I think they're a joke. You don't need a book to believe in yourself. What you need is to find yourself. Figure out what makes you special, why others love you. Remember, God doesnt make mistakes.
Kristina Calvin
To me self-esteem goes up or down with your mood. If a person is suffering from depression then they have low self-esteem at the same time. I have observed this with family members who are being treated for depression. The meds make them feel better and then as they get used to the idea of feeling better their self-esteem improved. Then they no longer need the meds. Also the underlying reason for the depression had to be treated and as they healed their self-esteem improved. The other example I have is the sucides that I have gone to when a set-back or several set-backs has caused a person who apparently had high self-esteem now doesn't and kills them self. So as Lori said which comes first?
Yes, I do believe that if someones self esteem is very high it is motivation for them to strive ahead. I believe that if you self esteem is high it gives you confidence in yourself to believe that their is nothing out of your reach. But a person would need to have a very high self esteem
I never thought those books really worked. Its like telling a person to boost their own self-esteem while they still feel like the rest of the world is pulling them down(if that makes sense)
And heck yeah! its Self-fulfilling prophecy
someone being raised in a home where they are praised, pampered, encouraged, and loved is (more likely then not) to have higher esteem
compaired to someone being raised in a home where they are abused verbally, mentally, and possible physically.
A person who's raised in a negitive way, will probably think the rest of the world as seeing them negitively
if you feel like you can do something, and someone supports you (family, friends, so on..) you will self-fulfill your own prophecy
(but thats just my thoughts)
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