Self-esteem in a broad-spectrum approach for mental health promotion

Self-evaluation is crucial to mental and social well-being. It influences aspirations, personal goals and interaction with others. This paper stresses the importance of self-esteem as a protective factor and a non-specific risk factor in physical and mental health. Evidence is presented illustrating...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health education research 2004-08, Vol.19 (4), p.357-372
Main Authors: Mann, Michal (Michelle), Hosman, Clemens M. H., Schaalma, Herman P., de Vries, Nanne K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic Achievement
Adaptation, Psychological
Beliefs
Depression (Psychology)
Eating Disorders
Health Behavior
Health Education
Health Promotion
Health technology assessment
Humans
Mental Disorders
Mental Health
Netherlands
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Physical Health
Program Development
Schemata (Cognition)
Self Concept
Self esteem
Selfesteem
Social Behavior
Social Problems
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Summary:Self-evaluation is crucial to mental and social well-being. It influences aspirations, personal goals and interaction with others. This paper stresses the importance of self-esteem as a protective factor and a non-specific risk factor in physical and mental health. Evidence is presented illustrating that self-esteem can lead to better health and social behavior, and that poor self-esteem is associated with a broad range of mental disorders and social problems, both internalizing problems (e.g. depression, suicidal tendencies, eating disorders and anxiety) and externalizing problems (e.g. violence and substance abuse). We discuss the dynamics of self-esteem in these relations. It is argued that an understanding of the development of self-esteem, its outcomes, and its active protection and promotion are critical to the improvement of both mental and physical health. The consequences for theory development, program development and health education research are addressed. Focusing on self-esteem is considered a core element of mental health promotion and a fruitful basis for a broad-spectrum approach.
ISSN:0268-1153
1465-3648
1465-3648
DOI:10.1093/her/cyg041