The enhancing role of self-perception in an individual’s capability to board an enriched life has been predominantly regarded as the ultimate panacea. In its utmost essence, a person’s perceived sense of self-worth has been considered as the fundamentally corrupted component which requires to be addressed, in order to, revolutionise the civilisation towards betterment. In 1989, a California task force stated that almost, if not all, prevailing “problems plaguing [the] society have roots in the low self-esteem of many of the people who make up the society” (Wilson Quarterly, 2005, p. 93). The enlarging emphasis on boosting the self-esteem among students at the structural basis, which is believed to enhance their academic or job performances in life (Baumeister, Campbell, Krueger & Vohs, 2005) seem to have bypassed the prevalent saying of ‘correlation does not equal causation’. Moreover, frequently, people tend to equate higher self-perception with increased happiness, although, such notions are neglecting numerous contributing factors such as workplace environment, social circumstances among others (Wilson Quarterly, 2005). Considering the predisposition low self-regard has over youth towards indulging in detrimental activities such as drug usage or drinking, has been over evaluated by various researchers; as the results portrayed by numerous studies do not depict an established relationship between these two variables (Baumeister et al., 2005). In a large-scale study, conducted by New Zealand researchers, their findings demonstrated a lack of correlation between drinking habits and children’s self-esteem at ages of 13 and 15 respectively (Wilson Quarterly, 2005). The assessment of an individual’s perceived sense of self has been predominantly measured through the medium of self-report. Although, it is crucial to recognise the plausible presence of prejudicialness in such notoriously questionable measures. Buhrmester, Furman, Wittenberg and Reis (1988) interviewed a group of college students to assess themselves on their interpersonal skills, followed by their roommates providing an assessment on them regarding similar aspects; their findings reflected a disparity as the results for self-esteem provided by their roommates, depicted a statistically non-significant level (Baumeister et al., 2005).
For a long time, psychologists have cherished the belief of low self-esteem being a strong indicator for the causation of aggression (Baumeister, Campbell, Krueger & Vohs, 2003). The basis being constructed on the conception of the prevailing continuance of inflated self-perceptions, dispositioning perpetrators of aggression to resort to violence, as a medium of expression. Whereas, according to Baumeister et al., (2003) narcissism has been linked to increased aggression, as a form of “retaliation for their wounded pride” (p. 22), thereby, providing a distinctive association between bullying and narcissism, as individuals who engage in bullying tend to rationalise their conduct of devaluing others (Menon et al., 2007). The pedestal that has been allotted to comprehending the subject of self-esteem, could be understood through the fascinating testament of the wide presence of self-help books (Marshall, Parker, Ciarrochi, Heaven, 2014). Self-esteem has been continuingly described as the predisposing factor, rather than an outcome of certain life circumstances. For instance, numerous researchers have portrayed low self-esteem as an indicator of suicidal ideation in early adulthood (McGee, Williams, Nada-Raja, 2001). Although, according to Orth, Robins, and Widaman (2012) the role of self-esteem in lifetime trajectories, specifically in terms of depression, seem to be moderate while, having restricted impact on an individual’s health (Marshall et al., 2014). Nevertheless, this does not signify that boosting self-esteem is either irrelevant or futile. The conception of perceived self-worth does have its merits, as it encourages an individual to explore various activities while, challenging their comfort zone (Crocker & Nuer, 2003). However, the overemphasis on the relevance of self-esteem considers only its ‘positive consequences’ (Burr & Christensen, 1992), while frequently, neglecting the question of causality. Determining it crucial to critically analyse the upsides and the downsides of such elements, rather than taking it at its face value.
References
Baumeister, R., Campbell, J., Krueger, J., & Vohs, K. (2003). Does High Self-Esteem Cause Better Performance, Interpersonal Success, Happiness, or Healthier Lifestyles? Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 4(1), 1-44. Retrieved January 2, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/40062291
Baumeister, R., Campbell, J., Krueger, J., & Vohs, K. (2005). Exploding the Self-Esteem Myth. Scientific American, 292(1), 84-91. Retrieved January 2, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/26060842
Burr, W., & Christensen, C. (1992). Undesirable Side Effects of Enhancing Self-Esteem. Family Relations, 41(4), 460-464. doi:10.2307/585591
Crocker, J., & Nuer, N. (2003). The Insatiable Quest for Self-Worth. Psychological Inquiry, 14(1), 31-34. Retrieved January 2, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/1449035
Marshall, S., Parker, P., Ciarrochi, J., & Heaven, P. (2014). Is Self-Esteem a Cause or Consequence of Social Support? A 4-Year Longitudinal Study. Child Development, 85(3), 1275-1291. Retrieved January 2, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/24031925
McGee, R., Williams, S., & Nada-Raja, S. (2001). Low self-esteem and hopelessness in childhood and suicidal ideation in early adulthood. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 29, 281-291
Menon, M., Tobin, D. D., Corby, B. C., Menon, M., Hodges, E. V. E., & Perry, D. G. (2017). The developmental costs of high self-esteem for antisocial children. Child development, 78, 1627-1639. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2007.01089.x
The Self-Esteem Scam. (2005). The Wilson Quarterly (1976-), 29(2), 93-94. doi:10.2307/45269013
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