Influences of Self-Concept and Self-Esteem on Communication

There once was a little girl who never applied herself in her academics. She always made bad decisions when choosing her peers. She never thought good things about herself. Then there was another girl, who always applied herself academically. She worked hard to accomplish her goals and helped tutor others when they struggled in class. Which little girl are you? What do you think about yourself when you look in the mirror? How do you feel about yourself? Ahead we will discuss what makes up your self-esteem and the different things that influence and mold your self- esteem. Self-esteem is what and how you feel about yourself. Self-esteem shows how you value yourself and how important you think you are. Good self-esteem is important because it helps you hold your head high and feel proud of yourself and what you can do (Sheslow 2005). Good self-esteem gives you courage to try new things. It also makes you believe in yourself. Positive self-esteem helps you make good choices about your mind and body. A person that has good self-esteem is less likely to follow someone doing something dumb or dangerous. If a person has good self-esteem, then they make good and sound decisions for themselves. Good self-esteem makes you value your health, safety, feelings, and your whole self (Sheslow 2005). If the word is broken down into two words, it will help you understand self-esteem better. Look at self first, which means yourself (Sheslow, PhD). Self-worth is how much you value yourself and if you think that you are important. Self-concept is all about how you see yourself and how you feel about your achievements (Sheslow, PhD). Now let’s look at the word esteem. Esteem is a word that is fancy for thinking that someone or something is important or valuing that person or thing. For example if you admire your friend’s mom because she is a teacher, it is that you hold teachers with high value or regard. You hold a great level of esteem for teachers. Self-esteem is the experience

References: Adler, R. & Procter II, R., (2006). Looking Out/Looking In (12th Ed) Boston: Wadsworth. Sheslow, D. and Branden (2005). The Story on Self Esteem. Retrieved October 24, 2008, from Kids Health Web site: http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/emotion/self_esteem.html Brescia, M. (2008).Professional Behavior Modification. Retrieved October 24, 2008, from Think Right Now Web site: http://www.thinkrightnow.com University of Arkansas. Men & Women Differ in how Family Communication Builds Self-esteem. The Science of Mental Health. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from About.com Web Site: http://mentalhealth.about.com/library/sci/0401/blcom401.htm