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European Journal of Applied Sciences – Vol. 11, No. 4

Publication Date: August 25, 2023

DOI:10.14738/aivp.114.14856

Gurevitz, M. (2023). The Critical Role of a Positive Self-Esteem. European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 11(4). 173-174.

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

The Critical Role of a Positive Self-Esteem

Michael Gurevitz

Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Ecology, George S. Wise

Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel

The appeal and attractiveness of people differ tremendously as reflected on their confidence,

performing abilities, and gain of respect. While successful individuals are usually self-reliant

and present high verbal and socializing competence, many others are shy, suppress their

thoughts and feelings in an attempt to hide their weaknesses, and so their appeal and gain of

respect are evidently limited. One major reason behind such behavioral disparity is the vast

differences in state of mind and self-esteem. Since the self-esteem of people is largely based on

an inner evaluating perception and is also exposed to environmental critique, its durability

requires continuous strengthening and success, as well as mental stability and decisive

personality. A constructive self-esteem usually develops during childhood and depends on

success and positive feedback of the parents, teachers, and the environment. In general, success

at school, in sport, in social interactions, or due to a particular talent may strengthen the

confidence and contribute to the buildup of a positive self-esteem. Further progressive

development may persist during adulthood, requiring periodical reinforcements (e.g., upon the

establishment of a new family or a professional success) with developed positive manners,

increased confidence, and a respectable appearance. However, even a good start during

childhood may decline in the lack of further success or upon development of annoying habits.

If a child is not very clever, good looking or talented, his/her appreciation by the teachers,

parents and friends is reduced, which may affect his/her self-esteem. Then, the development of

confidence and improvement of the self-esteem and eloquence may be quite laborious. For

these reasons, parents with high desires for their children, are willing to invest much for an

early good start and gain of high self-esteem. Growth in deprived environment with uneducated

parents and poor resources may limit the development of a high self-esteem, and trigger

disappointment and even paranoia, which may lead to aggression and belligerence. While

individuals with low self-esteem won’t invest too many efforts due to limited expectations, over

fostering may lead to exaggerated self-esteem, audacity (‘Chutzpah’), and extremism, all

projecting emotionally and in vicious behavior, thus reducing their attractivity. A negative self- esteem builds up on the basis of many factors, some of which may rest on prejudice ideas and

immense self-critique. Since prejudice ideas usually get fixed in the mind of particularly

younger people and are very hard to change (Martin Buber: prejudices of youth), open

discussions, non-stagnated minds, positive approach, and verbal abilities are important already

at early developmental stages.

Opposite to those suffering from low self-esteem are many individuals with inflated self- esteem. Some assume that their ‘greatness’ has not still been recognized (‘just wait and see’),

which may lead to twisted perception of the reality, and so they may remain shy or sometimes

almost speechless during most of their life waiting to be discovered. Since our self-esteem may

be critical for our confidence, attractiveness, and actually daily life, young children suffering

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European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 11, Issue 4, August-2023

from lack of confidence need special assistance of their parents, and often are treated by

psychiatrists. The arising question is what are the operative steps to increase the self-esteem

of these children, and how to implement a suitable intervention program. Notably, however,

such efforts may also raise an inflated self-esteem lacking true basis that may lead to ambiguous

judgements and even failures. Therefore, any intervention should be carried out with sufficient

care to avoid unintentional intensification of the problem.

Still, despite the fears and obstacles, people should not give up or lose hope. One major reason

relies on the natural increase in self-esteem as people get older due to amended confidence and

recognition of their accumulated experience, knowledge, and achievements. As they mature,

people learn how to overcome fears and pressures, which may improve their appeal and

performing abilities in public. This process is normally ensued by recuperated relaxation

abilities, confident look (fearless eyes), more persuasive voice, and an assertive appearance.

Thus, it is here suggested not to lose hope as the increased self-esteem of people often develops

spontaneously with age, improving and strengthening the state of mind, inner feelings, and

general eloquence.