Self-esteem Difficulties Research Articles

Beeldende therapie bij volwassenen met autisme

This study evaluated the effect of the Art Therapy program ‘Images of Self ’ (IoS) in four adults with an ASD. The effectiveness was investigated by means of a multiple case study (N=4) with a focus on qualitative data, in which pre-post questionnaires were used. Observations were made by means of topic lists. In addition, three conversations with the client and someone out of his/her close surrounding shed some light on the results with respect to daily life. There are indications that IoS can be used for adults with ASD, who are experiencing diffi culties in self-esteem, emotion regulation, flexibility in coping with changes and social communicative behaviour. It can contribute to getting a grip on feelings and insight into oneself, and it can help to establish contact within the therapy as well. Due to limitations in the study design (small study population), further research is necessary to replicate this study and test its mechanisms of action in a larger sample size.

Peculiarities of solving natural-cultural problems of socialization by gifted preschoolers

Many Russian and foreign researchers, while studying developmental peculiarities of the gifted, observe problems in their personal and social development. The phenomenon of “children’s giftedness” is regarded by the majority of pedagogues and psychologists as a potential or some amount of cognitive, creative abilities and capabilities that become obvious since preschool childhood. These children frequently face a range of difficulties such as other people’s misunderstanding, complicated interaction and difficulties in self-esteem, which triggers complications in solving socialization problems. Therefore, the article reveals some aspects of solving natural-cultural socialization tasks; it also defines indicators of the tasks such as physical growth, awareness of etiquette, culture of behavior. The empirical data are obtained via interviewing and testing preschool children from senior and preparatory groups from Kostroma preschool educational organizations (n=186) and through questioning and testing parents and pedagogues.

The interactive influence of borderline personality disorder symptoms and social comparison orientation on self-esteem

Despite evidence for an association between BPD symptoms and low/unstable self-esteem (SE), no research has examined social factors that may moderate the relation between BPD symptoms and SE difficulties. One factor that may be especially relevant is social comparison orientation (SCO). Across two studies, this research examined the main and interactive effects of BPD symptoms and SCO on several SE outcomes, including trait SE, baseline state SE, and in-the-moment threat to SE following an online social interaction task. In Study 1, a university sample of young women (N = 161) completed questionnaires on BPD symptoms, SCO, and trait SE. In Study 2, a university sample of young adults (N = 108) completed questionnaires on BPD symptoms, SCO, and baseline state SE. Participants engaged in a rejection or inclusion condition of an online social interaction task and reported on in-the-moment threat to their SE. Results revealed significant relations between BPD symptoms and all SE outcomes among young adults with high and mean SCO. Results highlight the relevance of SCO to the relation between BPD symptoms and SE, suggesting that BPD symptoms are associated with lower trait and state SE and greater threat to SE among young adults with average or greater tendencies to socially compare.

The association of self-esteem and psychosocial outcomes in young adults: a 10-year prospective study.

This study investigates the association between self-esteem assessed either in adolescence or in adulthood with adult academic and psychosocial outcomes. One hundred and thirty-one junior high school students were selected based on their experience of academic difficulty or success, and both groups were selected equally from regular or low-performing schools. Ten years later, 100 of these individuals participated in a follow-up assessment of academic, socioprofessional, and health-related outcomes. Logistic and linear regression models were performed to estimate the association of self-esteem (measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) at baseline and at follow-up, as well as change in self-esteem categories (high vs. low) on all outcomes. Fifty-four percent of adolescents were consistently high in self-esteem over the 10-year period, 17% experienced an improvement, 21% a decrease, and 8% stayed at a low level. Outcomes at follow-up were more consistently associated with young adult self-esteem than adolescent self-esteem. Self-esteem was associated with several outcomes (i.e., personal goals, life satisfaction, alcohol, and health outcomes) and its effects were different depending on the period considered and categories of self-esteem change. The self-esteem difficulties which are common in adolescence raise concerns about their potential impact on important outcomes later in life. However, self-esteem difficulties in young adulthood were more associated with negative outcomes at this phase of life (whether low self-esteem persisted into adulthood, or emerged only during adulthood). Relative to outcomes in young adulthood, the period of greatest interest for improving well-being may be concentrated in the years immediately surrounding the studied outcomes. Self-esteem change from adolescent to adulthood is associated with a large diversity of outcomes. Less is known concerning the extent to which adolescent self-esteem may independently determine outcomes in young adulthood as compared to more temporally proximal self-esteem levels. Only self-esteem difficulties in young adulthood were associated with negative outcomes at this phase of life (whether they persisted from adolescence into adulthood, or emerged for the first time during adulthood). Targeting self-esteem difficulties that are temporally proximal to the period of interest may improve mental health and well-being.

Workplace positive actions, trans people’s self-esteem and human resources’ evaluations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical patterns regarding trans people’s self-esteem-oriented evaluations during observations of positive workplace actions. The case of a 2015 UK workplace guide is utilized to fulfil the aims. The guide provides suggestions to employers for recruiting and retaining trans people. Design/methodology/approach A new questionnaire is created which forms a 20-item scale capturing a variety of self-evaluations. Trans people provided their responses in a 2018–2019 survey and the study’s patterns were captured. Findings The outcomes suggest that trans people’s self-esteem and self-respect are enhanced by policy makers’ positive actions to promote inclusivity in the workplace. In addition, due to these actions trans people feel more accepted, valued and trusted by the government. The authors suggest that a lack of positive workplace actions may be detrimental to trans people’s self-esteem. However, if a workplace policy is perceived to be a recognition of trans people’s worth this may be internalized, resulting in positive self-evaluations. The authors suggest that the 2015 workplace guide aims to ensure that trans people’s self-expressions are not constrained in ways that could cause them self-esteem difficulties. Practical implications The study also finds that firms which have implemented the workplace guide have informed human resources strategies, affected corporate profiles and staff organizational behaviours, created a more inclusive workplace culture, and addressed LGBT business and trans staff members’ needs. The authors suggest that when employers utilize policy makers’ positive workplace policies they may be able to realize positive organizational outcomes in their firms. Social implications The World Health Organization perceives self-esteem as a public matter and this study suggests that inclusive workplace strategies can positively affect the psychological states of a highly marginalized population group. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first attempt to quantify how a workplace guide impacts on self-esteem-oriented evaluations among trans people. Each one of the 20 items in the scale brings new insights into the subject matter.

Estudio sobre autoestima de estudiantes de nivel superior

This article deals with self-esteem as an aspect of enormous relevance in the life of the person, inasmuch as it contributes to their existence being more satisfactory. The investigation is of a descriptive quantitative cut. The objective is to know the level of self-esteem in the upper level students. For which the IAME instrument was applied to 148 students. In the analysis it is observed that the students manage a high level of self-esteem because the young people of higher education show a level (85%), which can be a product of age, family environment and personal characteristics, however 15% of the surveyed population shows difficulties in self-esteem, this population is the point to work as an institution because having low self-esteem not only affects the personality but the development of various academic activities which leads to a low academic performance, that is why it is proposed to implement guidance strategies for university students on the impact on the various aspects of life that has low self-esteem and propose a channeling if necessary to a specialist.

Religiosity and interpersonal problems explain individual differences in self esteem among young adults with child maltreatment experiences

Child maltreatment can have a lasting impact, which is why it is important to understand factors that may exacerbate or mitigate self-esteem difficulties in adulthood. Although there is tremendous benefit that can come from religion and spirituality, few studies examine religious views after child maltreatment. Subsequent interpersonal difficulties may also affect self-esteem in maltreatment survivors. This study sought to examine interpersonal problems and religiosity as mediators in the link between childhood maltreatment and self-esteem in adulthood. The study recruited 718 women (M = 19.53 years) from a large public university. Participants completed questionnaires related to child abuse and neglect, interpersonal problems, religiosity, and self-esteem. Results demonstrated that all forms of maltreatment were associated with negative views of God and with more interpersonal difficulties. Viewing God as a punishing figure mediated the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and low adult self-esteem, along with several areas associated with interpersonal problems. Further, for both child emotional neglect and physical abuse, viewing God as less supportive mediated the relationship between child maltreatment and low adult self-esteem. The results may help in intervention for child maltreatment survivors by increasing awareness of the importance of religiosity in treatment to self-esteem issues in both childhood and adulthood.

Psychological problems, self-esteem and body dissatisfaction in a sample of adolescents with brain lesions: A comparison with a control group

Primary objectives: This study aims to describe psychological problems, self-esteem difficulties and body dissatisfaction in a sample of adolescents with acquired brain lesions and to compare them with an age- and gender-matched control group.Research design: In an experimental design, the psychological profile of 26 adolescents with brain lesions of traumatic or vascular aetiology, aged 12–18 years, was compared with that of 18 typically-developing subjects. Moreover, within the clinical group, patients with TBI were compared with patients with vascular lesions.Methods and procedures: The psychological and adaptive profile of the adolescents was assessed by a specific protocol, including CBCL, VABS, RSES, EDI-2 and BES.Main outcome and results: Adolescents with brain lesions showed more marked psychological problems than their healthy peers; they also presented with a greater impairment of adaptive skills and a lower self-esteem. No significant differences were found between patients with traumatic lesions and patients with vascular lesions.Conclusions: Adolescents with acquired brain lesions were at higher risk to develop psychological and behavioural difficulties. Furthermore, in the clinical sample, some variables such as the long hospitalization and isolation from family and peers were associated to a greater psychological burden than the aetiology of the brain damage.

Exploratory Path Models Regarding the Associations Between Suicide Ideation, Depression, Interpersonal Difficulties, and Self-esteem Among Young Adults

Introduction Interpersonal and self-esteem difficulties are among top concerns of college students who utilize on-campus mental health services, and depression was cited among the main mental health reasons for functional impairment. While numerous research studies identify suicide ideation as occurring concomitantly with elevated depression, suicide ideation and behaviors seem to also occur with mild or moderate levels of depression and in the absence of severe clinical depression (Cukrowicz et al., 2012). Objectives To determine (a) if there is an association between interpersonal or family difficulties and suicide ideation, and (b) the potential role of depression and self-esteem for the above association. Aims To examine the fit of two concurrent path models, containing direct and mediated paths from interpersonal difficulties to suicide ideation (with depression and self-esteem as possible mediators). Methods Cross-sectional, self-report data from 1,916 college students was collected. The subscales of Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Interpersonal Problems, and Family Problems of the The College Adjustment Scale (CAS) (Anton & Reed, 1991) were used. Results The model including both direct and mediated paths was a better fit. Notably, interpersonal difficulties were associated with suicide ideation even when depression scores were not elevated. Also, the association between self-esteem difficulties and suicide ideation can occur in the presence or absence of feelings of elevated depression. Conclusions These findings challenge the traditional view that only elevated depression can contribute to suicide ideation and brings a new light regarding the importance of self-esteem among young adult college students' mental health. Longitudinal studies are further needed.

HIV-associated lipodystrophy: a review from a Brazilian perspective.

The prognosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals has dramatically improved worldwide since the introduction of highly antiretroviral therapy. Nevertheless, along with the decrease in mortality, several body modifications not initially related to HIV infection have been reported. Disorders in lipid and glucose metabolism, accompanied by body shape abnormalities and alterations in fat distribution, began to be described. A syndrome, named “HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome”, was coined to classify these clinical spectrum aspects. This syndrome involves not only metabolic alterations but also fat redistribution, with lipoatrophy due to subcutaneous fat loss (predominantly in the face and lower limbs) and lipohypertrophy related to central fat gain. These changes in body shape are very important to be recognized, as they are associated with worse morbidity and mortality. Self-esteem difficulties related to body alterations might lead to treatment failures due to medication adherence problems. Moreover, these alterations have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify this syndrome early in order to provide an even better quality of life for this population, as the clinical approach is not easy. Treatment change, medications to treat dyslipidemia, and surgical intervention are instruments to be used to try to correct these abnormalities. The aim of this study is to review clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of body shape and metabolic complications of HIV infection from a Brazilian perspective, a medium income country with a large number of patients on antiretroviral therapy.

The self-esteem of adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a systematic review of the literature

Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often grow up with negative messages surrounding their abilities and may experience adverse outcomes throughout their lives. Despite this, by adulthood, those with ADHD often find that they are left without adequate support from services. This review explores the relationship between self-esteem and ADHD in adulthood with a view to outlining needs and potential opportunities in terms of service provision. Twelve databases were searched for relevant literature published between 1980 and 2013 using terms relating to self-esteem, ADHD and adulthood. The resulting 13 articles comprised both cross-sectional and intervention studies. Despite a limited number of studies and methodological concerns, there is evidence to suggest that ADHD is associated with lower self-esteem in adulthood and that self-esteem difficulties can be remedied, to at least some extent, by psychotherapeutic work. It is recommended that future research focuses on the evaluation of therapy that specifically targets difficulties in self-esteem in this population.

Self-Esteem and Self-Concept Examination Among Gifted Students With ADHD

Intellectually gifted students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face unique academic and social challenges, yet little research has been conducted with this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the self-esteem and self-concept of intellectually gifted children with and without a coexisting diagnosis of ADHD. Data were gathered from 112 children, aged 6 to 18, identified as having high cognitive ability (IQ of 120, 91st percentile, or above); 54 participants also met diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Despite having similar IQs, gifted students with ADHD had lower scores on measures of self-esteem, behavioral self-concept, and overall happiness than gifted students without a comorbid diagnosis. Among all participants, children had higher reported overall happiness than adolescents. Professionals working with gifted students with ADHD should be aware of the potential for coexisting self-esteem difficulties and, if warranted, address these issues in educational and clinical environments.

Applying Cognitive Behavioural Methods to Retrain Children's Attributions for Success and Failure in Learning

This study involves the use of methods derived from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to change the attributions for success and failure of school children with regard to learning. Children with learning difficulties and/or motivational and self-esteem difficulties ( n = 29) were identified by their schools. The children then took part in twelve 30-minute group sessions with an educational psychologist, in which the children's attributions were retrained using methods derived from CBT. The intervention appeared to accelerate the children's progress in reading but not in spelling. Significant improvements in motivation and self-esteem were reported by the children and their parents. These changes were less apparent to the teachers. The findings point to a potentially fruitful way of offering additional intervention and support to children with learning difficulties and of increasing attainment. The cognitive behaviour methods complement more directly focused curricular work in a positive manner.

Out of School Youths in Ibadan: Its Psychological implication and the Way Out

The identification of young persons who have been to school but had left at various stages of the education cycle was part of the focus of this investigation. The study also found out the factors predicating school dropout with a concomitant discussion on some possible ways for ameliorating the phenomena Three research methodologies which are interviews, focus group discussion and opinion survey were conducted using 827 participants purposively sampled from University of Ibadan community, Eleyele, Agbowo, and Sango areas. The participants age range was between 15 and 38 years while their mean age was 25.87 years. The study revealed that approximately thirty-eight (37.6%) of all the youths attended and finished secondary school education. Sixty-five percent and 84.94% indicated that they were neither happy nor satisfied with their present status. Since school dropout creates mental agonies, psychological traumatization and self-esteem difficulties for the youths, part of the recommendation was that the provision of education to children of ages 1-18 years should be the direct responsibility of the Federal government ,and should not be politicized. The junior second school (JSS) curriculum should be made functional and practical. (IFE PsychologIA: 2003 11 (1): 46-60)

Conceptual factors in the treatment of paraphilias: a preliminary report.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss conceptual components of treating paraphilia. Detailed description of the treatment interventions will be published subsequently. The format of the psychotherapy has components similar to the programs for sexual dysfunction and homosexual dissatisfaction therapy. Intensive short-term directive conjoint therapy remains essential. The therapeutic model focuses on the paraphilia as an interpersonal relationship disorder which is manifested as an unproductive and sometimes addictive means of coping with stress, particularly engendered by discomfort with intimacy in adult erotic relationships. The basic model of psychotherapy includes specific intervention directed at potential social skill deficits, changing erotic imagery, attitude and cognitive restructuring, self-esteem difficulties, dating anxiety, sexual dysfunction, intimacy issues and addictive behavior, all of which encourage mastery, self-assertion, self-responsibility and communication skills within the context of a relationship.