In adolescence, teens continue to experience several changes in their self-concept. The idea of self-concept in teens tends to be flexible, depending on who the teen is with. At some point, they may see themselves as smart, happy and outgoing, and at other moments, they may view themselves as being moody and clueless. Studies have shown that changes in the neural structures during adolescents are responsible for the profound changes in the self-concept in teens. Because the concept of self is more flexible, teens' minds are more liable to incorporate more values, evaluations, and expectations of what they are ( Chung et al., 2014 ). Since teens are still seeking what they are as they grow, their perception of who they are kept on changing as depending on the people they socialize with and the environment in which they grow. Neuroimaging research has however shown that activity in the various parts of the brain that are associated with self-processing change during adolescence leading to changes in the self-concept.
Self-esteem is a way in which individuals feel and view themselves. Self-esteem is shaped by the idea of self-concept. Self-esteem forms from the interaction with others in early life of teens and is determined by the environmental social and cultural factors. Teens tend to have vulnerable self-esteem because they are still seeking their self-concept, which is a key determinant of an individual’s self-esteem ( Chung et al., 2014 ). Parental support, high levels of optimism, and higher academic performance have been found to impact the esteem levels of teens. For example, teens who record higher academic performances tend to feel motivated and thus develop high esteem levels.
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Reference
Chung, J. M., Robins, R. W., Trzesniewski, K. H., Noftle, E. E., Roberts, B. W., & Widaman, K. F. (2014). Continuity and change in self-esteem during emerging adulthood. Journal of personality and social psychology , 106 (3), 469.
