Self-Esteem

Self-esteem refers to the extent to which an individual views themselves positively or negatively, representing their overall attitude toward themselves.

Researchers have identified eight domains in which self-esteem may differ: academic skills, math ability, verbal ability, physical appearance, athletic performance, morality, romantic relationships, and social acceptance.

Individuals often evaluate themselves differently across these multiple domains —viewing some more favorably and important than others. For example, someone may feel confident in their verbal skills but insecure about their physical appearance or athletic ability.

Self-esteem is relatively stable across life but can temporarily shift in response to personal experiences and social challenges, making it both a stable trait and a flexible response.

Students often start college with moderate to high self-esteem, which dips in the first year but then steadily rises, often driven by academic performance, as higher grades boost self-esteem.

Another longitudinal research study showed that self-esteem generally rises from early childhood, gradually increasing from adolescence to middle adulthood, peaking between ages 50 and 60, and then declining in older adulthood.