Sebeúcta

Sebeúcta, commonly translated as self-esteem, is the overall subjective evaluation of one’s own worth or value. It encompasses beliefs about one’s abilities and intrinsic value, and it influences motivation, emotion, and behavior. In psychology, sebeúcta is considered a component of the broader self-concept and is related to self-acceptance and self-respect.

In several Slavic-language traditions, the term sebaúcta or sebeúcta denotes self-respect; the English equivalent is self-esteem. The distinction between self-esteem (a judgment of value) and self-respect (dignity and adherence to personal standards) varies by language and theory.

Psychological research distinguishes cognitive and affective aspects: a person’s beliefs about their worth and the emotional reactions to those beliefs (pride, shame). Self-esteem can be relatively stable (trait) or fluctuate in response to events (state). It is commonly measured with scales such as the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale or domain-specific instruments.

Self-esteem develops through early caregiving, feedback, social comparison, and cultural norms that shape what is valued. It can be multilevel, varying across life domains (e.g., academic, social). Culture can influence whether self-esteem is framed as independent self-worth or relational and context-dependent.

Healthy self-esteem supports resilience, motivation, and mental health. Very high self-esteem can correspond with narcissistic traits, while very low self-esteem is linked to depression and anxiety. Interventions to improve sebeúcta include cognitive-behavioral techniques, mastery experiences, and self-compassion practices.

Related concepts include self-concept, self-respect, self-compassion, and resilience.