Selfrespect

Self-respect, or regard for one’s own worth and dignity, is the internal valuation that a person assigns to themselves. It involves recognizing personal worth, maintaining healthy boundaries, and acting in ways consistent with one’s values. Self-respect is distinct from arrogance, which can involve an inflated or defensive self-view.

Psychological perspectives link self-respect to facets of self-esteem, autonomy, and moral integrity. It develops through early experiences, social feedback, successes, and coping with setbacks. Cultural norms and life events can shape what is considered worthy behavior and how much one tolerates violations of personal boundaries.

Healthy self-respect supports psychological well-being and prosocial behavior. It can help people stand up for themselves, seek respectful relationships, and persist after difficulties. Low or fragile self-respect may contribute to self-doubt, passive behavior, and susceptibility to exploitation, though it is not a simple, universal cause-and-effect relationship.

Cultivation of self-respect involves clarifying values, setting and enforcing boundaries, practicing self-care, and acting in ways that align with core beliefs. It can be fostered through reflection, feedback, and learning from mistakes. Some critical perspectives note that emphasis on self-respect should be balanced with empathy for others and awareness of cultural contexts.

See also: self-esteem, self-worth, dignity, boundary setting.