Self-Esteem

Warm-Up Activity Describe a time when you received a compliment or strong encouragement. How did it make you feel about yourself?

Essential Questions What is self-esteem and how is it influenced? What is the link between self-esteem and health? How can you improve self-esteem?

Self-Esteem What is self-esteem? –Refers to how much you like yourself and feel good about yourself People with high self-esteem accept themselves for who they are People with low self-esteem have a negative opinion of themselves

Self-Esteem and Your Health More than any other factor, self- esteem has a direct effect on all aspects of your health -- mental, social, and physical

Self-Esteem and Your Health Teens with low self esteem are more likely to: –Use drugs –Drop out of school –Become pregnant –Suffer from eating disorders –Engage in violent or self-destructive behaviors

Self-Esteem and Your Health Teens with high self-esteem are more likely to: –Eat well –Exercise regularly –Set goals for yourself –Ask for help when you need it –Bounce back quickly from setbacks and disappointments

How self-esteem develops Self-esteem begins to develop when you are young –Young children need support and encouragement from family members to develop a sense of self- worth As you grow older, teachers, friends, and others, as well as events in your life, influence your self-esteem What are some ways your self esteem can be influenced by the larger world around you? Discuss at each table and be ready to write ways on the board.

How self-esteem develops The teenage years are a critical time in the development of self-esteem Teens look critically at their appearances, their abilities, their interests, and their shortcomings Teens often compare themselves to others Can your self-esteem survive the teen years? –The key is to keep things in the proper perspective and to accept that you cannot be perfect

Improving your self-esteem Take an inventory of your strengths and weaknesses Select friends who will support you and encourage you to do your best When you experience defeat, avoid dwelling on it Practice good health habits Avoid doing things just to “go along with the crowd”

Improving your self-esteem Set goals for yourself Take some time each day to do something you really enjoy Avoid negative thinking Develop a sense of humor Do something nice for others Reward yourself when you do something well

Sharpen Your Skills List two things you hope to accomplish within the next year Then, under each goal, list some steps you can take now to bring yourself closer to the goal How does working toward a goal affect your self-esteem?

Chapter 2 Lesson 3 Review Answer questions 1 thru 4 on the bottom of page 36