Self Esteem

Studies show that children & adolescents high in task or goal orientation will have a higher self-esteem. Baldwin (2002) states that to increase ones self-esteem, expectations will have to be lowered. Abel (1997) views higher self-esteem as adaptive as it is connected to an individual’s greater capability for personality characteristics such as self –persistence, regulation and successful performance as well as increased expectations of success.

In other words, if persistence exceeds expectations where performance is related to efforts, a person of high self-esteem will experience success that will heighten self-esteem.

However, there is a difference between realistic and unrealistic expectations, as the realistic expectations usually present themselves as a persons upkeep of goals in situations where failing is the most likely outcome. The effects of accomplishment and non-accomplishment of upcoming expectations has to be considered, as it will directly effect an individuals improvement of self-esteem.

Studies have found that a ‘positive goal discrepancy’ is attained when performance surpasses expectations. Although a ‘negative goal discrepancy’ can happen if performance does not meet the expectations.

The consequences of unsuccessfully meeting expectations are liable to be expressed as a lowering of expectations every time one does not succeed, which in turn creates stressful and emotional situations that can adversely affect the judgment and failure of setting more practical goals in the future. So in summary under circumstances such as these self-esteem is in a organized decline.

Although success will eventually lead to the disposition to raising expectations every time a task is complete. So the setting of practical  goals is very important if an increase of self-esteem is to occur, but to actually increase someone's self-esteem, an understanding that one’s own measurement of self is of first importance to the successful improvement of self-esteem.

An individual’s accomplishments are only seen as appropriately reflecting the self, if they are caused internally. Achievements that are motivated from an external factor are said to have not much effect on self-esteem. When someone sees that there behavior is internally motivated rather than externally the effect is much more enhanced. So achievements are especially important when directed internally to enhance the development of self-esteem.