Low Self Esteem & Its Effects

What is low self-esteem?

Confidence represents an individual's trust in their abilities and ideas, accompanied by a comprehensive acceptance of themselves. Self-esteem, on the other hand, reflects one's self-perception and emotional response to their identity and actions. High self-esteem entails a positive self-assessment and acknowledgment of one's strengths, while low self-esteem involves negative self-perception and a sense of unworthiness regarding love, fulfillment, or achievement. It's possible for someone to exhibit confidence in specific skills while grappling with low self-esteem due to negative self-appraisal.

Signs of low self-esteem

A person with low-self esteem might display the following:

  • They exhibit a strong tendency to scrutinize themselves severely, often overlooking or minimizing their own strengths. 

  • They harbor a sense of inferiority compared to others and tend to employ negative language when discussing themselves. 

  • Their inner dialogue tends to be pessimistic, and they shy away from acknowledging their accomplishments, attributing them to mere chance.

  • They are prone to self-blame for mishaps without considering external circumstances beyond their influence.

  • They are skeptical of compliments directed at them.

Causes

Low self-esteem can be caused due to childhood experiences such as not receiving love, affection, and positive interactions which creates a sense of unworthiness or a lack of intrinsic value. Experiencing significant pain or hurt during childhood can also adversely impact one's self-esteem because consistent criticism contributes to negative self-dialogue. 

Other factors that can affect self-esteem and confidence include:

  • Work or academic performance

  • Social media and online platforms

  • Body image and self-perception of appearance

  • Quality of support networks

  • Accomplishments or competencies

  • Physical and mental well-being

  • Desire for social acceptance

  • Striving for perfection

  • Social comparisons

  • Expectations to succeed in specific domains

  • Experiences of harassment or mistreatment

  • Social stigma or discrimination

  • Relocation from familiar environments or loved ones

  • Familial or interpersonal conflicts

Consequences

Persistent low self-esteem from childhood into early adulthood can heighten the risk of addiction later in life. It also often correlates with depression and anxiety, and can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy. Negative self-perception can adversely affect interpersonal relationships and result in self-destructive behaviors or tolerance of mistreatment from others. This pattern can perpetuate a cycle of negativity, further eroding self-assurance.

Treatment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been cited as a useful modality to assist those struggling with low-self esteem by confronting core beliefs and negative thought patterns. An individual forms an overall perception of themselves derived from previous life experiences and events, therefore, the substitution of negative thoughts with positive ones and cultivating a less self-critical mindset can aid individuals in enhancing their self-esteem and confidence. 

Are you struggling with low self-esteem and confidence? Is it preventing you from leading a fulfilling life? If so, we suggest you get in touch with one of our specialists here at Vaughan Counselling & Psychotherapy who can help you cultivate greater inner peace. We have many experts available to assist you such as Victoria, Martin, and Raidah! Or you may contact us to book a free consultation at admin@vaughanpsychotherapist.com or 647-267-9853.


References

Kolubinski, D. C., Frings, D., Nikčević, A. V., Lawrence, J. A., & Spada, M. M. (2018). A systematic review and meta-analysis of CBT interventions based on the Fennell model of low self-esteem. Psychiatry Research, 267, 296–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.06.025 

Nguyen, D. T., et al. (2019). Low self-esteem and its association with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in Vietnamese secondary school students: A cross-sectional study. Frontiers Psychiatry.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00698/full

Sissons, B. (2024, January 22). How to regain lost self-confidence. Medical News Today. ​​https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/i-have-lost-my-confidence-and-self-esteem#signs 


Waite, P., McManus, F., & Shafran, R. (2012). Cognitive behaviour therapy for low self-esteem: A preliminary randomized controlled trial in a primary care setting. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 43(4), 1049-1057.


Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy