Esteem

Esteem is a general term for the regard in which someone is held, including respect, admiration, and value attributed to a person or thing. In psychology, the term is often used to distinguish self-esteem, a person’s overall subjective evaluation of their own worth or value, from esteem for others, which refers to the respect or admiration one holds for someone else. The verb form "to esteem" means to regard highly or value.

Self-esteem encompasses global self-worth as well as domain-specific self-esteem (for example, academic or social self-esteem). It is influenced by social feedback, achievements, and perceived competence, and it can be shaped by cultural norms. Measures such as the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale are commonly used in research, alongside other instruments that assess domain-specific self-esteem.

The concept is linked to various theories and frameworks. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs identifies esteem as a key motivation related to achievement, reputation, and respect. Developmentally, self-esteem is affected by early caregiver interactions, social comparison, and validation, with enduring effects on mental health, well-being, relationships, and resilience. Cultural context can modulate how esteem is earned and expressed, with some cultures emphasizing communal approval and others prioritizing individual achievement.

There is ongoing debate about the role of self-esteem in well-being and behavior. Some critiques caution against excessive praise or an overemphasis on self-esteem at the expense of real competencies, while others argue that healthy self-regard supports coping and motivation. Overall, esteem is a multifaceted construct that encompasses both self-perception and the esteem accorded by others.