What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem refers to the degree to which we hold positive or negative feelings about ourselves. It encompasses our overall sense of self-worth and self-acceptance. High self-esteem implies having a positive view of oneself, leading to confidence and resilience, while low self-esteem can result in negative feelings, self-doubt, and a diminished perception of one’s abilities.

Understanding self-esteem is crucial because it influences various aspects of mental health, behavior, and decision-making. Individuals with healthy self-esteem tend to pursue goals effectively, cope with stress, and build meaningful relationships, while those with low self-esteem may struggle with these areas.

The other options do not capture the essence of self-esteem. Recalling past experiences pertains more to memory and cognitive processes, while perception of physical appearance focuses specifically on how we view our looks, which is only one aspect of self-esteem. Meanwhile, managing social relationships is a skill that relates to social interactions rather than the internal evaluation of oneself that self-esteem embodies.