Self-Esteem

Paper Summary:

In this essay, the writer examines how the issue of self-esteem affects children's development. The writer notes that socio-environmental factors that impact on children can affect their development both positively and negatively. The writer also points out that children and teenagers who live under stressful conditions and who have difficulty getting along with their peers often experience a wide variety of difficulties including mental health issues, failure to progress academically, behavioral issues and drug abuse. The writer concludes that an educator's goal is to help a child develop self-esteem through school, if the process will not begin at home. Children who see themselves as competent are stronger learners and cope with life's stresses better. Further, the writer maintains that schools can provide an alternate experience for students where their efforts are valued and encouraged and where their strengths are nurtured and developed.

Outline:
Introduction
How is Self-Esteem Developed?
What schools Can Do
Critics
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Schools provide a variety of services to their students. Instruction is of course their main purpose, but educators realize that students have significant emotional and social needs as well. Very often a school does not have to do a lot in the way or providing significant levels of social or emotional support for their students, but most schools are prepared to provide it, at least to some degree, when needed. Thus most schools have counselors, and most school districts have both psychologists and social workers. However, typically those people provide their services after things have gone wrong for a student. The possibility of early intervention, to provide a network of support for those children who are not going to develop self-esteem, resilience, and appropriate problem solving skills at home, should be considered."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bull, Catherine A.; Dubois, David L.; Feiner, Richard D.; and Sherman, Michelle D. 1994. "Socioenvironmental Experiences, Self-Esteem and Emotional/behavioral Problems in Early Adolescence." American Journal of Community Psychology, Vol. 22.
• Crocker, Jennifer. 2002. "The Costs of Seeking Self-Esteem." Journal of Social Issues, Vol. 58.
• Dumont, Michelle; and Provost, Marc A. 1999. "Resilience in Adolescents: Protective Role of Social Support, Coping Strategies, Self-Esteem, and Social Activities on Experience of Stress and Depression." Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Vol. 28.
• Nichols, Joe D., and Utesch, William E. 1998. "An alternative learning program: effects on student motivation and self-esteem." The Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 91.
• Reynolds, Glenda P.; Simpson, F. Morgan; and Stringer, Suzanne J. 2003. "Collaboration between Classroom Teachers and a School Counselor through Literature Circles: Building Self-Esteem." Journal of Instructional Psychology, Vol. 30.

More papers on Self-Esteem:

• Essay # 66259 : "Self-esteem and Achievement in Children"
• Article Review # 36777 : "Self-Esteem and On Self-Verification"
• Research Proposal # 94243 : "Self-Esteem and Positive Illusion in Romantic Relationship"
• Analytical Essay # 134344 : "Too Much Self-Esteem?"

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