Self-esteem is a person’s overall evaluation or appraisal of their own worth. It is a psychological construct that refers to an individual’s subjective feelings of self-worth and self-acceptance. People with high self-esteem generally feel confident, positive, and worthy, while those with low self-esteem may feel insecure, inadequate, or unworthy. People with high self-esteem tend to have more positive relationships and are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, while those with low self-esteem may be more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. There are several tests commonly used to assess self-esteem. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is the most well-known and widely used.
Rosenberg, Morris. 1989. Society and the Adolescent Self-Image. Revised edition
