Self-esteem and risk factors

Most studies of adolescence confirm that during the early part of adolescence, young people are more self-conscious and more self-critical than before.

Research suggests that relatively low self-esteem is not a risk factor for delinquency, violence towards others, substance abuse, educational under achievement or racism, but can be a risk factor for self-harm, suicide attempts and depression, teenage pregnancy and victimisation by others, although there are other factors that play a role too.

Characteristics that are linked with high self-esteem in 11 to 14 year olds are also those that are associated with being popular in their junior school: attractiveness and peer acceptance.

Evidence suggests that positive self-esteem and good personal skills help protect against damage from the things that go wrong at times such as family disruption, social disadvantages or illness.

The strongest influence on self-esteem is parenting style, although a history of abuse has a strong negative influence on self-esteem.

Identify which of the following are true.


Right It is true that feeling positive about ethnic identity increases self-esteem.

Wrong  It is true that feeling positive about ethnic identity increases self-esteem.


Right It is false as ethnic identity is not well established.

Wrong It is false as ethnic identity is not well established.


Right True girls do have higher self-esteem than boys.

Wrong This is true as girls do have higher self-esteem than boys.


Right True girls do have difficulties in expressing emotions.

Wrong True girls do have difficulties in expressing emotions.


Right This is true as adolescents are often self-centered.

Wrong This is true as adolescents are often self-centered.


Right This is true as most boys are able to be assertive.

Wrong Most boys are able to be assertive.