Self-Esteem

How does self esteem develop?

Self esteem begins with a child's parents or caregivers. From a very early age, children begin to learn behaviors based on their parents reactions. When children are praised for doing something well, it makes them feel good and usually they will continue aspiring to receive praise and the "good feeling" that comes along with it. When children are praised they develop a higher confidence level and are more apt to achieve their goals because they have fewer inhibitions than children who do not receive positive praise.

Why do some adolescence have high self-esteem, whereas others have low self-esteem?

People aren't born with high or low esteem. Again, it comes from positive encouragement. So many times people are subjected to harsh criticism and are constantly being told that you are stupid or worthless or why are you so dumb; you will not amount to anything. Now, if someone is constantly being fed these negative connotations, eventually they will begin to believe it. How can you not believe that you are these things that you are being told if you have never been told anything else? An example would be a puppy living and being raised with cats; and although a cat meows and the puppy barks, they puppy wouldn't know the difference because it will have already adapted the behaviors of the cats.

How does Identity fit in with such development?

The fact of the matter is everyone wants to be accepted and fit in. Identity is a huge factor during the adolescent years; when you look different or may not act in a manner that is "socially acceptable", you can then become a target for cruel treatment. Everyone wants to know that they are just as good as the next person but if a child has only been exposed to put downs and never received love and nurturing at home, it will be hard for them to adapt.

Unfortunately when this is the case, the teen will begin to take on others behaviors whether good or bad as their own all in the name of fitting in, and sadly can lead to all types of negative consequences such as, drugs, fighting, gang activity, and very promiscuous behaviors.

What are the four statues of identity, and how do adolescents move through them? How does intimacy influence the development of identity?

Foreclosure

'The foreclosure status is when a commitment is made without exploring alternatives. Often these commitments are based on parental ideas and