Theories of Self‐Esteem

Self‐esteem refers to the overall positive or negative attitude an individual takes toward him or herself. Understanding self‐esteem also requires awareness of related terms, especially self and self‐concept, along with an appreciation of their similarities and differences. This entry discusses how self, self‐concept, and self‐esteem are causally related, and the outcomes typically the difference between global self‐esteem (e.g., the overall characterizations associated with self‐esteem. The self as a social product and a social force is emphasized, as is of one's self as good or bad, worthy or worthless, acceptable or unacceptable) and specific self‐esteem (e.g., self‐esteem linked to a person's roles, identities, activities, contexts, or attributes). Contemporary notions of self‐esteem theory and research are linked to the classic literature on the subject.