Sources of Self-Esteem II: Performance Feedback

Regular feedback about the quality of an individual’s performance — both successes and failures — shapes their self-esteem.

Self-esteem is fostered when individuals perceive themselves as capable agents who successfully achieve goals and overcome challenges.

For instance, when a student is praised for solving a difficult math problem, their confidence in their academic abilities increases.

This sense of efficacy develops competence and control, which is critical for both mental and physical well-being.

For example, efficacy grows when employees handle challenging situations, such as successfully resolving a customer complaint.

Conversely, individuals in low-power positions often have fewer opportunities to exercise autonomy and build efficacy-based self-esteem.

In response, they often turn simple tasks into opportunities to demonstrate their competence, such as reorganizing a workspace.

Over time, these small successes provide them with performance feedback that supports personal growth and confidence.

Similarly, education significantly enhances one’s sense of personal control and contributes to positive outcomes across the lifespan.