Write an essay (1,000 –1,250 words) on building self-esteem to alleviate a psychological disorder. In order to prepare this assignment, perform the following: 1. Explore the National Association for Self-Esteem Web site located at 2. Find an example of how building self-esteem can alleviate a psychological disorder. Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Building Self-Esteem to Alleviate Psychological Disorders
Introduction
Self-esteem is considered a vital aspect of human psychological well-being. It encompasses an individual’s beliefs about their worthiness, capabilities, and overall self-perception. Psychological disorders are prevalent in society and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. It is therefore imperative to explore strategies that can alleviate these disorders. One approach is to focus on building self-esteem. This essay will discuss the importance of self-esteem and provide an example of how building self-esteem can alleviate a psychological disorder.
The Importance of Self-Esteem
Self-esteem plays a crucial role in an individual’s mental and emotional health. It influences their self-image, self-confidence, and ability to cope with life’s challenges. High self-esteem enhances overall well-being, promoting resilience, and reducing vulnerability to psychological disorders (Mann et al., 2004). Individuals with higher self-esteem are more likely to have positive relationships, engage in healthier behaviors, and exhibit enhanced problem-solving skills (Orth, Robins, & Meier, 2009).
On the contrary, low self-esteem is a risk factor for various psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse (Bleidorn et al., 2016). Individuals with low self-esteem often harbor negative self-beliefs, experience constant self-doubt, and perceive themselves as inadequate or unworthy. These negative thoughts and feelings can lead to a downward spiral of emotional distress and can exacerbate existing psychological disorders (Bianchi & Schonert-Reichl, 2016).
Building Self-Esteem
Given the impact of self-esteem on psychological well-being, it is imperative to develop strategies for building self-esteem. There are multiple avenues through which self-esteem can be enhanced, including social support, positive affirmation, and self-compassion (Lambert, Fincham, & Stillman, 2012). One effective approach is through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT is a widely employed therapeutic intervention that aims to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can be adapted to target self-esteem by challenging negative self-beliefs and facilitating the development of more positive and realistic self-perceptions (Sowislo & Orth, 2013). Through CBT, individuals can learn to recognize their self-defeating thoughts and replace them with more constructive ones, leading to improved self-esteem and better mental health outcomes (Butler & Beck, 2000).
Case Example: Building Self-Esteem to Alleviate Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychological disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and a significant decline in overall functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It is known to have detrimental effects on individuals’ life satisfaction and can lead to severe impairment in various domains, including work, relationships, and physical health.
Research has shown that low self-esteem often co-occurs with depressive symptoms, and improving self-esteem can help alleviate depressive symptoms (Blatt, Zuroff, & Hawley, 2010). A case example illustrating the effectiveness of building self-esteem in alleviating depression is that of Sarah, a 32-year-old woman struggling with MDD.
Sarah had a long history of low self-esteem, starting from her childhood when she was constantly criticized by her parents. This resulted in her developing negative self-beliefs, feeling inadequate, and having low self-worth. As a result, she often experienced feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and was unable to find pleasure in previously enjoyable activities.
Sarah sought help from a psychologist who employed CBT techniques to target her self-esteem issues. In therapy, Sarah was encouraged to identify and challenge her negative self-beliefs. She learned to recognize and dispute her automatic negative thoughts such as “I am worthless” or “I will never succeed.” Over time, she began to replace these negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones, such as “I have strengths and can achieve my goals.”
Alongside thought restructuring, Sarah also engaged in activities that enhanced her self-worth and self-compassion. She practiced self-care, surrounded herself with supportive friends, and engaged in activities that brought her joy. As Sarah’s self-esteem began to improve, she noticed a reduction in her depressive symptoms. She reported feeling more motivated, experiencing increased joy in her daily life, and a greater sense of self-acceptance.
The case of Sarah highlights how building self-esteem can alleviate the symptoms of depression. By challenging negative self-beliefs and fostering self-compassion, individuals with depression can experience improved mood, increased self-worth, and enhanced overall well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, self-esteem is a crucial factor in the mental and emotional well-being of individuals. Low self-esteem is associated with various psychological disorders, while high self-esteem promotes resilience and reduces vulnerability to these disorders. Building self-esteem can be achieved through various strategies, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. The case example of Sarah demonstrates how building self-esteem can alleviate depression symptoms and contribute to improved mental health outcomes. It is vital for mental health professionals and individuals alike to recognize the importance of self-esteem and implement strategies for its enhancement to alleviate psychological disorders.
