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Related Concept Videos

Need for Self-Esteem01:27

Need for Self-Esteem

The human need for self-esteem has long intrigued psychologists, leading to the development of several theories that explore its evolutionary and functional significance. Among the most influential are the sociometer, hierometer, and terror management theories. Each offers a unique perspective on why people strive for self-worth and how it shapes behavior and social interaction.Sociometer TheoryAccording to sociometer theory, self-esteem functions as an internal gauge of social acceptance. It...
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model01:29

Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model

The Self-Evaluation Maintenance (SEM) model offers a psychological framework to understand how individuals’ self-esteem is influenced by the achievements of others, particularly those with whom they share close personal bonds. The SEM model operates when personal rather than social identity guides individuals. Central to this model is the notion that individuals have an inherent desire to preserve a favorable self-image, which is continuously shaped by interpersonal comparisons and...
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification03:00

Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification

Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison01:27

Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison

Social comparison plays a fundamental role in the evaluation of personal success and self-worth. Rather than assessing our achievements in isolation, we interpret their significance relative to personal goals and critically in comparison to the performance of others. A grade of B in a mathematics exam might elicit pride if one's expectation was a C, yet result in disappointment if an A was anticipated or if peers achieved superior results. These comparative evaluations illustrate how both...
Protecting Self-Esteem01:27

Protecting Self-Esteem

Self-esteem, a central component of psychological well-being, is actively maintained through various cognitive and behavioral strategies. Individuals employ specific mechanisms to preserve a positive self-concept and mitigate threats to their self-worth, particularly in contexts involving social evaluation or personal feedback. Four primary techniques are commonly used to sustain self-esteem.Manipulating AppraisalsOne prominent strategy involves manipulating appraisals from others. Individuals...
Benefits of Self-Esteem01:25

Benefits of Self-Esteem

Self-esteem—an individual's overall evaluation of their worth—plays a complex role in psychological functioning and well-being. It is often associated with many positive traits, such as confidence, optimism, and perseverance. Individuals with high self-esteem typically experience better sleep, manage peer pressure more effectively, and report greater life satisfaction. Conversely, low self-esteem has been consistently linked with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and poor academic or...

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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
12:55

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties

Published on: September 27, 2020

The suicidal process and self-esteem.

Angus H Thompson1

  • 1Institute of Health Economics, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. gthompson@ihe.ca

Crisis
|December 31, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Low self-esteem is linked to more severe suicidal behavior. This suggests a potential progression in suicidal behavior stages, offering opportunities for early intervention in individuals with low self-esteem.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
12:55

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties

Published on: September 27, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Mental Health Research
  • Suicidology

Background:

  • The relationship between self-esteem and suicidal behavior severity remains unclear.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between self-esteem levels and the severity of suicidal behavior.
  • To examine suicidal behavior within the framework of the suicide process.

Main Methods:

  • A self-esteem inventory and a questionnaire on suicidal behavior severity (death wishes, ideation, plans, attempts) were administered.
  • The study included 227 university undergraduate participants.

Main Results:

  • A significant negative correlation was observed between self-esteem and suicidality severity.
  • Participants exhibited fewer cases at each successive level of suicidal behavior seriousness.
  • Most individuals at higher severity levels also presented with less severe suicidal behavior previously.

Conclusions:

  • Findings suggest a potential sequential progression through stages of suicidal behavior.
  • Low self-esteem may indicate early entry into the suicide process.
  • Identifying individuals with low self-esteem could enable timely preventive interventions.