NCJ Number
196984
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 45-48
Date Published
September 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses what is known about the consequences of low self-esteem and how self-esteem can be raised through planned interventions.
Abstract
The author reviews the literature of scientific studies about the nature and causes of low self-esteem, its impact on young people, and whether planned interventions can be useful in raising self-esteem. The author states that the literature defines self-esteem in two different ways. Some researchers refer to self-esteem as an emotional feeling about the self while others define self-esteem as the result of a set of judgments. One of the main questions under examination in this article is whether low-esteem is a risk factor for certain problem behaviors such as delinquency, drug abuse, and suicide attempts. A review of the literature suggests that low self-esteem is not a risk factor for most negative behaviors, in fact, high self-esteem is more likely to contribute to problem behaviors such as drunk-driving or participation in delinquent acts. However, the author did find four categories of behaviors that were more likely to occur among those with low self-esteem: attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts, teenage pregnancy, and eating disorders. When the author turned to causes of low self-esteem, he found that the single most significant factor influencing self-esteem was parents and their parenting style. Finally, the author concludes that there has been no long-term and systematic research conducted on whether planned interventions can have a positive effect on self-esteem. Thus, more research needs to be conducted in this area in order to inform policy decisions.