Self esteem 1

Developing Well-Being in Australian Youth

Authors and Correspondence

• Mandie B Shean, Lynne Cohen, Terry de Jong (deceased)

• Affiliation: School of Education, Edith Cowan University, Mt. Lawley, Western Australia, Australia.

• Correspondence: Mandie B Shean, E-mail: m.shean@ecu.edu.au

Abstract

• Self-esteem identified as a crucial factor in well-being, leading to interventions aimed at increasing it among young people.

• Despite these efforts, mental health outcomes for young Australians remain poor.

• Aim: Identify protective factors perceived by adolescents that enhance their well-being and resilience.

• Methodology: 23 adolescents (ages 13-17) participated in semi-structured interviews analyzed via Grounded Theory approach.

• Key Finding: Self-worth is the primary protective process leading to resilience and well-being, derived from:

  • Unconditional relationships

  • Boundaries

  • Self-efficacy

  • Existence

  • Purpose

• Discrepancies noted between promoted self-esteem and adolescent needs for achieving well-being, with discussion of solutions.

Keywords

• Self-esteem, contingencies, worth, resilience, adolescents, Australia

Introduction

Background of Self-Esteem Movement

• Rise in popularity due to beliefs linking high self-esteem with resilience, achievement, happiness, and healthy relationships (1970s USA).

• Dweck discusses how self-esteem was deemed the most important quality, leading to significant efforts to boost children's self-esteem.

Definitions of Self-Esteem

• Wide range of definitions:

  • Feelings derived from self-evaluations

  • Confidence and satisfaction in oneself

  • Perception of competence and worth

• Emphasis on varying definitions as they drive intervention focus. Concerns raised about potential for narcissism and entitlement from current practices.

Current Mental Health Outcomes

• Despite self-esteem boosting efforts, mental health statistics indicate ongoing issues:

  • Increase in reports of suicide, self-harm, emotional instability among youth (Kids Helpline, Perth Children’s Hospital).

  • 26% of youth (16-24) reported experiencing a mental disorder (ABS, AIHW reports)

Ineffectiveness of Current Approaches

• Research indicates pursuing self-esteem can heighten stress and depression.

• Self-esteem boosts can yield temporary feelings without fostering long-term resilience or coping skills.

• Examining reasons for the effectiveness of self-esteem movements: definitions, practices employed, and contingencies of worth.

Methods

Research Design

• Qualitative with a social constructivist approach, using Grounded Theory and semi-structured interviews.

• Participants: 23 adolescents (8 males, 15 females), ages 13 to 17, from public and private schools in Perth.

Procedure

• Ethical approval obtained; resilient adolescents identified by school staff; informed consent gathered from participants and guardians.

• Interviews lasted 45 to 90 minutes.

Analysis

• Grounded Theory analysis begins with open coding; axial coding to form higher-order categories; modeling relationships to develop theories.

Results

Key Protective Process: Self-Worth

• Self-Worth vs. Self-Esteem: Self-worth defined by internal (personal value) rather than external contingencies (showing competence).

• **Five Contingencies of Self-Worth: **

  • Self-Efficacy: Control over one's life and accomplishments.

  • Boundaries: Imposed limits provide safety and self-value.

  • Purpose: Contributing meaningfully to society enhances personal worth.

  • Existence: Believing in one's inherent value from birth or creator.

  • Relationships: Unconditional support and acceptance contribute to self-worth.

Table 1: Contingencies of Worth

1. Self-efficacy: Sense of control and success leads to higher self-worth.

   • Quotes:

     • "Just having control rather than being subjected to lots of things."

     • "Doing well at things boosts how you feel about yourself."

2. Boundaries: Fair limits ensure safety and promote value.

   • Quotes:

     • "I wanted boundaries...it ensured I could control myself."

     • "Without intervention, I might have gone further down a harmful path."

3. Purpose: Seeking meaning in helping others enhances worth.

   • Quotes:

     • "I want to impact people's lives for the better."

     • "Helping gives life more meaning."

4. Existence: Valuing one's life as intentional promotes worth.

   • Quotes:

     • "If you’re born, you're worthy of something."

     • "I think I’m here for a reason."

5. Relationships: Supportive connections foster self-acceptance and worth.

   • Quotes:

     • "Teacher's eye contact made me feel valued."

     • "No one ever asks me to do anything; it makes me feel important."

Discussion on Findings

Self-Efficacy

• Linked to resilience; rooted in experiences of mastery and control. Boosting self-esteem without achievement undermines self-efficacy, promoting entitlement over effort.

Boundaries

• Structured limitations were found to provide a sense of value, increasing motivation for change, contrary to the self-esteem movements that often weakens boundaries.

Internal vs. External Contingencies

• Importance placed on self-worth deriving from internal qualities rather than external approval, which can be fragile and lead to dependency on validation from others.

Purpose

• Participants found meaning in helping others, contradicting the self-centered focus promoted in modern self-esteem discussions.

Existence and Relationships

• Belief in the inherent value of existence is emphasized as a stable source of self-worth alongside unconditional relationships.

Conclusion

• Findings suggest that self-esteem interventions may need re-evaluation as they may produce ineffective and damaging results in developing children's well-being.

• A focus on intrinsic qualities, resilient experiences, controlling boundaries, the value of existence, and unconditional relationships can enhance stable self-worth.

• True self-esteem should derive from leading a meaningful life focused on authenticity and contributing to others rather than simply feeling good.