1. Self-Esteem

2.  What would make you feel better about yourself???  Better grades 49%  Losing weight 38%  Bulking or toning up 36%  Better relationship with parents 30%  Fitting in with certain peers 16%  I like myself the way I am 15%

3.  How many of you have an opinion about yourself?  Self-esteem refers to how much you respect yourself and like yourself.  Think about self-esteem as a continuum, ranging from high self-esteem to low self- esteem.  Psychologists believe high self-esteem has a positive effect on health.

4.  People with high self-esteem accept themselves for who they are.  They have a realistic view of their strengths and weaknesses and maintain a positive attitude even when they fail at a task.  They form close relationships with people who respect and value them because they value themselves.

5.  Some research shows that, if you feel good about yourself, you will be more likely to eat well, to exercise regularly, and to avoid risky behaviors.  You will also be more likely to set goals for yourself, ask for help when you need it, and bounce back quickly from setbacks and disappointments.

6.  People with low self-esteem do not have much respect for themselves.  They judge themselves harshly and worry too much about what others think of them.  They may “put on an act” in public to impress others and hide their insecurities.  Their fear of failure and looking bad may prevent them from trying new things.

7.  Negative thoughts such as “I can’t do that” or “I’m not smart enough” make it difficult to succeed.  So does thinking success is a matter of luck rather than hard work.  More likely to do drugs, drop out of school, become pregnant, and suffer from eating disorders.  Also, more likely to be violent or self- destructive.

8.  Self-esteem can increase or decrease as people interact with their family, peers, and their community.  On average self-esteem drops in early adolescence, increases gradually during adulthood, and decreases again toward the end of life.  Teen males tend to have higher self-esteem then teen females.

9.  Self-esteem begins as a child.  If children have the chance to succeed at small tasks and to build skills, they are likely to become confident individuals.  Often, there is a gradual decline in self- esteem during the elementary school years.  This may be because students begin to compare themselves with other children.

10.  It is normal for teens to be critical of their appearance, their abilities, their interests, and their shortcomings.  Some teens are overly self-conscious and judge themselves too harshly.  You receive messages about your appearance, your gender, your culture, and your values, from media and others around you.

11.  Self-esteem generally rises during adulthood.  Adults are better able to keep things in the proper perspective.  Self-esteem tends to drop in older adults. ◦ Health problems ◦ Limited roles for older adults in society