Self-esteem entails the feeling, either positive or negative, that individuals have about themselves. In essence, the positive attitude derives from the belief that one is worthy and that other people’s views are equally or more positive as well. In much the same way, low self-esteem results from the belief that one is unworthy and a possible negative prejudice from other people. Social psychologists argue that several factors determine self-esteem, and principal among them is a person’s relationships with other people. While self-worth is comparatively higher in some people, it is also a state that varies with time. People’s actions towards others, thus determine their self-confidence significantly, so much so that any failure or execution of a harmful act can be detrimental to one’s self-worth. Also, criticism from other people due to one’s actions or decisions can lead to low self-esteem.
Self-concept is the ability to learn from one’s characters and behavior as well as the skills acquired over time. The self-concept theory encompasses crucial factors such as traits, values, and competencies, which are critical determinants of self-esteem. In essence, the relationship between self-concept and self-esteem entails a synergy where the latter is a crucial pillar of the former. The sense of self is predicated on the principles of self-concept in that people with positive self-esteem can easily recognize their mistakes without any prejudice.
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On the other hand, people with low self-esteem have difficulty identifying their limitations and may, therefore, take longer to recover from negative traits or conditions. The SES scores clearly indicate that while I disagree I am not an utter failure; I agree that there are moments that I feel useless. Thus, I acknowledge that indeed my self-concept is intact and that I can easily recognize my limitations and work on them promptly.
Symbolic interactionism holds that communication is the foundation of the social interactions and developments of an individual. Accordingly, people adopt to the surroundings based on the meaning ascribed to such things. The SES results indicate that I am contented with my propensity to handle things in the same way and capacity as others in society. In essence, I have learned the value and measure of success from my interactions with people around me, and I believe I can deliver that success effectively. Self-indication entails the experience and feedback within oneself which necessitates self-communication as described in symbolic interactionism. Improving self-interaction thus requires self-reflection so that I can identify the things in which I am weak and be satisfied with myself. Such satisfaction is dependent on the way I work on my weaknesses and the confidence with which I execute the required behavior.
Postmodernists have an acute skepticism on the assumptions of western philosophy and deep suspicion on the assertion that reason and logic are the primary vehicles of human establishments. Also, postmodernism theories contend that human behavior and psychology are not socially constructed. In so doing, postmodernists don not have any regard for the existence of certain knowledge, and would certainly dismiss the claim that the knowledge of the general feelings about myself would help me in becoming a better person. Further, postmodernism is predicated on the protean self in which an individual is capable of constantly changing to suit the circumstances at hand. Thus, I need not recognize the feelings about myself but be flexible enough to adopt to the situations that come my way.
Postmodernists claim, furthermore, that the self is de-centered and thereby inexistent. The “I” is not enduring and is continually changing. This hypothesis is closely associated with the self-in-relation claim which presupposes that people’s lives are congruent to the social contexts in which they exist. In effect, postmodernism views the self as an individual devoid of center and highly adoptable to the environment depending on how one interacts with others. Essentially, outside forces are what defines an individual as opposed to the change that comes from within. It follows, therefore, that postmodernists would focus on dealing with external factors in ensuring good self-esteem and self-concept.
Self-efficacy entails the belief that a person can execute actions required in producing certain favorable attainments. The existence of self-efficacy marks the control of one’s behavior and motivation as well as the crucial environment. The SES responses regarding self-confidence are favorable, indicating that I am capable of achieving goals as well as others around me. While self-efficacy beliefs vary depending on one’s environment, a thin line exists between self-efficacy and self-esteem. In essence, the two are inherent, and the achievement of one’s goals in life necessitates a thorough examination of the two. Also, self-efficacy imposes control in oneself such that a person can fully execute their behavior with confidence, which, in turn, leads to good self-esteem.
My short term goals are to ensure that I establish good relationship with those around me. I aim at achieving healthy interactions with my family, friends, and colleagues. Some of my long-term goals are improving my confidence so that I can be fully satisfied with myself. I also look forward to discovering more excellent qualities in me that will help me improve my life as well as other people’s lives. The achievement of these goals necessitates the enhancement of my self-esteem and self-concept. Also, I acknowledge that I need to establish strong, healthy relationships to see to it that I become a useful person to myself and society.
