Omanarvontunto

Omanarvontunto, Finnish term meaning self-esteem or sense of one’s own worth, refers to an individual's overall evaluation of their value as a person. It includes feelings of self-respect, self-acceptance, and confidence in one’s abilities. It is related to but distinct from self-concept (the broader cognitive image of oneself) and self-efficacy (belief in one’s capacity to succeed in specific tasks). The word comes from oma ('own'), arvon ('value'), and tunto ('feeling').

Omanarvontunto develops through childhood and adolescence as people receive feedback on their worth and competence. Relationships with family, peers, and teachers, experiences of success or failure, and cultural norms shape it. It can be relatively stable but also fluctuates with life events, social comparisons, and mental health. Protective factors include supportive environments, realistic praise, and opportunities to experience mastery.

Its level is associated with mental health, resilience, motivation, and social functioning. Low or fragile oman-arvontunto is linked to anxiety, depression, and risky behavior, whereas healthy self-esteem supports well-being and persistence. Measurement is mainly through self-report; the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is widely used internationally, with Finnish adaptations employed in research and practice. Other instruments exist to capture domain-specific or trait-like self-esteem.

Criticism and nuance exist regarding the construct. Overemphasis on flattering praise can backfire, and some researchers warn that inflated self-esteem may accompany narcissism or maladaptive patterns. Contemporary perspectives emphasize a balanced sense of self-worth tied to realistic self-assessment and empathy for others.

In Finland, omanarvontunto is a common consideration in education, health, and well-being policies, reflecting a focus on fostering individuals’ intrinsic sense of value as part of holistic development.