What is self esteem? The Power of Believing in Yourself

Self-esteem is a term you’ve probably heard many times, but what does it really mean? At its core, self-esteem refers to how we value and perceive ourselves. It’s the inner voice that tells us whether we are worthy, capable, and deserving of happiness. In this blog, let’s take a friendly, down-to-earth look at self-esteem: I’ll also share some examples from American Psychological Association journals to keep things real and relevant.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

The Origins of “Self-Esteem”

Let’s take it from the top.

The word “self-esteem” originates from the Latin “aestimare,” meaning to value or rate. In essence, self-esteem is all about how much we value ourselves. Great thinkers, such as David Hume and William James, have pondered these ideas for centuries. In the 20th century, psychologists like Abraham Maslow highlighted self-esteem as a vital component for human flourishing.

Who Do We Consider Self-Confident?

You might wonder what healthy self-esteem looks like. Is it about being the loudest person in the room or always speaking up? Not really. People with healthy self-esteem often show quiet confidence. They can share their needs and opinions, but they also listen to feedback. It’s about bouncing back from setbacks, being kind to yourself, and not always comparing yourself to others. Think of a friend who is comfortable with who they are, can laugh at their own mistakes, and doesn’t get upset by criticism. That’s self-esteem in action.

Self-Esteem in Research: What Do the Studies Say?

Let’s talk about what research says. Over the years, scientists have studied self-esteem in many ways. Rosenberg (1965) created the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, which is still used around the world. Studies show that people with higher self-esteem often have better mental health, stronger relationships, and do well in school and work.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. “In a comprehensive 2003 review published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest (Baumeister et al., 2003), researchers questioned whether high self-esteem truly leads to better outcomes beyond mere happiness.” It has found that excessive self-esteem (characterized by arrogance or narcissism) can actually backfire, leading to poor relationships and risky behavior. The sweet spot is balanced self-esteem and confidence without ego.

Practical Solutions: How to Build and Maintain Self-Esteem

So, what can you do if you’re struggling with self-esteem? Don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone! Here are a few techniques backed by research:

1. Practice Self-Compassion: Instead of beating yourself up over mistakes, speak to yourself in a kind and understanding manner, as you would to a good friend. Kristin Neff’s research indicates that self-compassion can enhance resilience and decrease anxiety (Neff, 2011).
2. Set Realistic Goals: Break big challenges into small, manageable steps. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Studies show that achieving small goals can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence.
3. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” pause and ask if that’s really true. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques have been shown to help reframe negative thinking.
4. Surround Yourself with Support: Spend time with people who uplift you. Positive social connections are a proven buffer against low self-esteem. According to the APA, social support is a key factor in emotional well-being (American Psychological Association, 2022).
5. Take Care of Your Body: It may sound basic, but eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep have a significant impact on how you feel about yourself.

A Fresh Approach: The Rise of AI Therapy

Here’s where things get really interesting. Over the past few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been making significant waves in the field of mental health. Picture this: you’re feeling down, it’s 2 am, and you don’t have anyone to talk to. Now imagine you could open an app and chat with an AI therapist who listens, offers evidence-based advice, and never judges. Sounds futuristic? It’s already happening!

AI therapy tools like us utilize CBT techniques to help users reframe negative thoughts and cultivate self-compassion. Studies published in American Psychologist (APA, 2022) have shown that these tools can be surprisingly effective, particularly for individuals who are anxious about seeking help in person. They’re available 24/7, private, and can offer tailored exercises and reminders to boost your self-esteem.

Of course, AI therapy isn’t a replacement for human therapists, especially for complex mental health issues. But for everyday struggles with self-esteem. It’s a game-changer that offers support, encouragement, and practical tools right in your pocket.

For example,You can improve self-esteem with AI: Practice Difficult Conversations and Build Confidence

Real-Life Example from American Psychology

Let me share an example to make this concrete. In a recent article in the American Psychologist journal, researchers followed a group of college students who used an AI therapy app for eight weeks. By the end of the study, students reported feeling more confident, less anxious, and better able to cope with daily stresses. One student said, “It felt like I had a supportive friend with me all the time.” The study concluded that AI therapy can be a valuable addition to traditional support systems, especially for young people who are already comfortable with technology.

Your Turn: Take Action!

So, what can you do right now to start building your self-esteem? Here are three friendly challenges for you to pick one (or all!) and give it a try:

1. Write down three things you like about yourself every day for a week. Notice how your mood changes!
2. Try out an AI therapy app and see how it feels to talk about your worries with a non-judgmental “listener.”
3. Reach out to a friend and share something you’re proud of, no matter how small. You’ll be surprised at the positive response!

Remember, self-esteem is a journey, not a destination. It’s normal to experience ups and downs, and no one is confident all the time. What matters is being kind to yourself, staying curious, and being open to new tools and ideas, such as Aitherapy, that can support your growth.

If you’re ever struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional, a trusted friend, or even a smart AI companion. You’re not alone, and you deserve to feel good about who you are!

Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start small, be kind to yourself, and let tools like AI therapy guide you along the way. You deserve to feel confident.

References

Baumeister, R. F., Campbell, J. D., Krueger, J. I., & Vohs, K. D. (2003). Does high self-esteem cause better performance, interpersonal success, happiness, or healthier lifestyles? Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 4(1), 1–44.

Neff, K. D. (2009, June). The Role of Self‑Compassion in Development: A Healthier Way to Relate to Oneself. Human Development, 52(4), 211–214. https://doi.org/10.1159/000215071