Self-Esteem: Understanding the Concept Self-Esteem: Understanding the Concept Whether people know it or not, everyone has a self-esteem, but some have better grasps on it than others do. Most people's self-esteemjudgments are based on what they value, their beliefs or interests,and the attitudes that they have (Beane, 1993, p. 6). Therefore it isimpossible to escape the notion that someone doesn't have a self-esteem.It is whatever they make it out to be, but not only do they choose theirown self-esteem, but others have a big part in deciding it as well. I have two friends who are totally different in every aspect, especiallytheir self-esteem. My one friend Karis has a high self-esteem; she getsgood grades, is the star of the volleyball team, and has loving parents.Davina on the other hand, has a low self-esteem. She's not as brighta student as she wants to be, nor does she play any sports, or haveloving parents. Her mother and father divorced a few years back, andDavina has been forgotten ever since. She lived at her best freindshouse for a few years to finish schooling, as her father took off withher little sisters and her mother moved away to start a new family.Since her abandonment, Davina hasn't been the same. She is afraidto speak in class, always scared that others will make fun of her.Her grades used to be good, but now she has no confidence that shecan pass the tests. Gym is a nightmare as Davina is reluctant to wearshorts, always professing that she is to fat. She will only sit withher friend! s at lunch, to frightened to go out of her way and makenew friends, and she never smiles. Davina is convinced that everyonetalks about her behind her back, and when a teacher asks her a questionshe slinks back in her chair, afraid of the snickers she'll receiveif she gives the wrong answer. Self-esteem involves an individual'ssense of self worth (Beane, 1984, p. 6), and Davina seems to have none.Self-evaluations of a person ...
