Research

Self-Esteem in Adolescence

Tari M. Cox

Winston-Salem State University

Self-Esteem in Adolescence

Self esteem in adolescence is a rising topic of today’s society as it addresses the positive a negative influences on it. According to Teen Self Esteem Issues (n.d), self-esteem is generally defined as the way that one feels about his or herself. Each human being has a component within themselves that surrounds this topic, which is why it is prominent and continuously growing. More specifically, self-esteem during the adolescent period is critical due to physical and physiological changes that are inevitable to occur (Fisher, n.d). One may begin to develop self-doubt and negative images of their bodies, leading risks of dangerous outcomes if encouragement and support is not available.

Biological Explanations

           
Apart from the negative emotions within adolescence that are more commonly addressed, there is a biological explanation for their occurrence. Research has found that the circuity is the human brain is not fully developed until the ages of the late 20s. One of these circuits is known as the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for the “reward system.” According to The Adolescent Brain: Beyond Raging Hormones (2008), the “reward system” consists of the functions such drug addiction, romance and other pleasure seeking actions. The limbic system is also an area of continuous growth during the adolescent period as the amygdala is responsible for judgment and problem solving (Steinberg, 2008).

            The significance of self-esteem can sometimes cross as a mild factor pertaining to adolescence. It can jeopardize success and have an impact on one’s outlook on other matters and effect and self-mage (Peera, n.d).  Self-esteem can also be affected one positively or negatively depending on specific circumstances and environmental situations. Positive self-esteem is heavily promoted, however low self esteem in adolescence is an unfortunate issue among society.

           

There are number of factors that lead to low self esteem among adolescence. Appearance or body image, peer pressure, abuse and neglect and parental expectations are can put teens at risk for low self esteem if consisting of negative components. It is a common misconception that primarily teen girls are the only individual’s that suffer from insecurities and low self-esteem however, all adolescents are susceptible to it. Body image refers to concerns pertaining to how one views them self physically and how they are physically perceived by others (Blessing, n.d.). Due to bodily growth, during this phase one may begin to feel self-conscious as they develop things such as acne, curves and breasts in young ladies and body hair. If negatively perceived by others in addition to them self, one’s self-esteem can be tarnished.

Peer Pressure

            Peer pressure is among the many things that continue to exist for everyone, even adults. As one’s surrounding peers’ opinions are an influence on behavior, it also stems from the media and celebrities. Young men are exposed to aggression and muscular males from celebrities while young women are redundantly seeing models that are thinner than themselves. This can create of world wind of confusion pertaining to how one is supposed to look. Additionally, parental expectations can potentially serve as a source of low self esteem. If pressure is overexerted, this can cause a teen to become withdrawn, develop lack of autonomy and self-confidence.

            Depression, anxiety, high cortisol levels and eating disorders are some of the detrimental results that occur because of low self esteem. Drug habits and drug addiction also come into partake with these unfortunate circumstances. However, promoting positive self-esteem and encouraging one to embrace their self can decrease the consistency of this trend among adolescence.

           

Actress Jennifer Lawrence is one of the media’s most popular advocates of positive self-image among teens. Her messages were never directed to a specific gender; however they spoke the most volume to adolescent girls. During the first sequence of the popular film, The Hunger Games, Jennifer Lawrence was asked to lose weight to enhance her character’s image. As she omitted doing this, she inspired girls around the world to embrace themselves just as they are and refuse change for social acceptance. She firmly believes in this as well as continuing to promote acceptance of one’s physique (Urquiza, 2014).

            Parental guidance can drastically affect one’s self-esteem and image. By communicating with their son or daughter during leisure time while enjoying television, comments reflecting on the difference among everyone are beneficial. Parental reactions to specific people of the media can easily sway one’s mindset regarding them self in a positive or negative way. Therefore, discussing with them that it is okay to be unlike the celebrities seen on television can greatly aid in development of a healthy, positive self-esteem and self image.

            In conclusion, change in imperative as our generation and future generations’ progress. Adolescent years are designed for self discovery, not self hate or scrutiny. Neither lack of confidence, nor emotional abuse. Self harm, illegal substance use and diagnoses of depression should be the furthest from the minds of the young as their brains are still in the development process. Implementing these strategies to spread among adolescent teens can lead to a revolution behind self-confidence, positive body image and positive self esteem among adolescence.

                                                           

References

Fisher, N. (n.d). Teen self-esteem issues. Global Post. Retrieved from: http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/teen-selfesteem-issues-2080.htmla 

Heubeck, E. (2006). Helping girls with body image. WebMD. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/style/helping-girls-with-body-image

Perera, K. (n.d.). The importance of self esteem and why it matters. More-Self Esteem. Retrieved from  http://www.more-selfesteem.com/importance.htm:

The adolescent brain: Beyond raging hormones. (n. d.).  Harvard Health Publications. Retrieved from: http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog-extra/the-adolescent-brain-beyond-raging-hormones

Urquiza, C. (2014). The pressure for perfection is becoming too much. The Blog. Retrieved from:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/camila-vincent-de-urquiza/the-pressure-for-perfecti_b_4536884.html