Updated on October 1, 2020
The Role of Self-Esteem and Troubled Teenagers
The way that a teenager perceives themselves can have both positive and negative effects on their appearance, academic performance, and relationships. When a teen is struggling with low self-esteem it can hinder their ability to live a comfortable and successful life. Today teenagers are subjected to pressures and expectations set forth by the media, parents, and peers. This has made it difficult for teens to build self-confidence and self-worth.
Common Causes of Low Self-Esteem
Media – Teenagers are continuously subjected to physical pressures set by the media. This can result in teens feeling bad for themselves or unpleased with aspects that they can’t change.
Peers & Family – Unfortunately a common source of low self-esteem for teenagers comes from their own home or daily life at school. When a teen is bullied in school or online it can cause serious negative effects on their self-worth. This can also come from pressures they feel from their parents and siblings that they are not living up to.
Past Experiences – If a teenager has experienced neglect, abuse, or other traumatic events within their lifetime, they may be struggling with self-esteem. These experiences will shape the way the teenagers feel about themselves and should be addressed properly in order to avoid further issues.
When a teenager is suffering from low self-esteem they can often act out for attention. Studies have shown that teen pregnancy occurs more in girls with low self-worth. Low self-confidence in teenagers can also lead to depression, anxiety, and hypersensitivity. These issues can affect all aspects of a teen’s life and provide a disadvantage for success.
Parents can instill confidence in their teenager by avoiding too much negativity, helping them set realistic goals, and encouraging achievement. It’s also crucial for parents to accept that their teenager will differ from them in terms of values and interests. When a teenager has self-acceptance they are more likely to trust their own ideas, set reasonable goals, and display good social skills. Most importantly a teenager with self-confidence will accept their weaknesses while understanding their strengths.
