How does self-esteem develop in individuals?
2026
How does self-esteem develop in individuals?
Answer: A. It grows when one sees oneself as capable and unconditionally accepted. — ConceptSelf-esteem is a person’s evaluation of their own worth. It develops through both perceived competence—the belief that one can meet challenges—and…
- A.
It grows when one sees oneself as capable and unconditionally accepted.
- B.
It develops only from personal achievements, without influence from others.
- C.
It depends entirely on meeting academic or social standards.
- D.
It is always negative if societal expectations are not met.
Attempted by 13 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
Self-esteem is a person’s evaluation of their own worth. It develops through both perceived competence—the belief that one can meet challenges—and relational acceptance.
Acceptance helps personal worth remain stable instead of making it depend on one achievement or one external standard.
Application
The statement that combines seeing oneself as capable with being accepted without conditions includes both developmental sources: competence supports agency, while acceptance supports a secure sense of worth.
Cross-check and contrast
An achievement-only account excludes the influence of relationships and social feedback.
A standards-only account makes self-worth wholly contingent on academic or social approval.
An always-negative account treats unmet expectations as inevitably determining self-worth.
Therefore, self-esteem develops most soundly when a person experiences both capability and unconditional acceptance.