Itsetunnon

Itsetunnon, commonly translated as self-esteem, is a person’s overall sense of self-worth and confidence in their own value and abilities. In psychology, it is described as a multi-component construct that includes affective feelings of worth, cognitive judgments about competence, and behavioral manifestations such as how one presents oneself in social situations. In Finnish usage, itsetunto is the standard term, and itsetunnon is the genitive form used in phrases such as itsetunnon kehitys (development of self-esteem).

It is often considered in two levels: a global (general) self-esteem that applies to the individual as a whole, and domain-specific self-esteem that relates to particular areas like work, school, or relationships. It is closely related to, but distinct from, self-efficacy, which is a person’s belief in their ability to perform specific tasks.

Development depends on early interactions, parenting warmth and responsiveness, feedback from peers and teachers, and broader cultural norms. Positive experiences, supportive relationships, and realistic success feedback tend to strengthen it, while chronic criticism, social stigma, and persistent failure can undermine it. Cultural values shape how self-esteem is defined and expressed, with some contexts emphasizing interdependence over individual worth.

Consequences of self-esteem are linked to mental health, resilience, and social functioning. High self-esteem can support coping and well-being, but excessively inflated self-esteem may relate to risk-taking or interpersonal difficulty. Low self-esteem is associated with vulnerability to depression and anxiety. Measurement commonly employs instruments such as the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale or domain-specific scales; researchers stress the need for valid cross-cultural assessment and to guard against social desirability bias.