Theories Of Self Esteem

Psychologists and self help practitioners both agree that self-esteem is a relevant component in a persons behaviour and should be taken into account when assessing their well being. Within Psychology its precise relation to the well being of an individual has shifted along with trends within psychology itself regarding the subject. Social cognition is an example of a psychological theory that incorporates self esteem within its definition. It involves the persons interpretation of themselves as individuals and in their interactions with others along with there social environment. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is a self-report scale developed by Rosenberg a psychologist who supported the social cognition theory. This self-report is a reflective test to assess a persons level of self-esteem (graded high or low) and is still applied in some cases when assessing a persons well being.

In Comparison Self-help approaches also support the belief

In psychology the theory that self-esteem is relational argues that it is driven by different selves. These are comprised of the material, social and spiritual selves as well as the pure ego. Self-esteem is influenced by these factors in that people are connected to others and effected by how the individual believes they are perceived by them so their relationships on a social level for example. This theory also considers self-esteem as motivational meaning it is a factor in what drives an individual to achieve certain life goals. A further theory with relevance when comparing the two definitions regarding approaches to self-esteem is the previously mentioned humanistic approach favoured by Maslow. This is a more person-centered method of assessment and counselling. This suggests the individual is in control of the self and encourages them to see things in a grounded and accepting