SELF ESTEEM AND SELF CONCEPT

Self esteem vs. self concept Self esteem is how you feel about yourself Self concept is the way you see yourself- how you define yourself (good student, great listener, procrastinator, athlete, etc.) Our self esteem and self concept are formed by many things, our experiences, the way other people treat us and things they have said, etc.

We each have basic needs to be fulfilled Physiological needs are the most basic, food, water, and physical health. These needs must be met first. Safety needs are next, these are more long term- having jobs (or parents with jobs), having a roof over your head, etc. Belonging needs are like love and affection, fitting in and being wanted. Esteem needs- recognition, attention, feeling good about yourself. Self actualization needs is the desire for the person to be as good as they possibly can be. Only the person themselves can provide this need. If these needs are filled, a person will likely have a high self esteem and a good self concept.

Everyone has the power to have a high self esteem and a good self concept, but other people can make it difficult. That is why it is important to be careful what you say to others. You never know when some comment can have an impact on the way they see themselves.