Psychology: Self Esteem, Research Paper Example

The psychology of self esteem lay in a person’s ability to perceive him/herself in a particular way. There are many controversies in determining this really as it relates to cultural adaptations which impinge on the psychosocial well being of individuals. As schools of thought differ research has proven that a common thread is evident which links each perspective of self esteem.

Predominantly, it concerns the development of self and how it is interpreted personally. Precisely, psychologists perceive the concept to mean the way people think about themselves in relation to how well they are dressed, complete tasks; accepted by others and interrelate with people whether they are significant others or mere acquaintances (Marmot, 2003).

Therefore, people with very optimistic attitudes are described as having a high self esteem and those with a pessimistic mind set a low one. Further assumptions point towards a number of factors affecting the formation of self esteem. These include age, gender, socio economic status and body image (Marmot, 2003).

Body image tends to be a major determinant of self esteem in teens even though its effects can emerge earlier in life. Importantly, the self body image concept impositions are greatly influenced by media coverage on television, especially, reality TV shows perpetuating movie personality styles; advertising thin as beautiful and fat, ugly.

Therefore, when these images are interpreted they are recorded as either low self esteem or high. A major concern among teens in the 21^st century is eating to maintain a body image that would reflect a high self esteem; one based on paradigms set by society. This occurs to the detriment of individuals creating epidemics of eating disorders.

In the following pages of this document the writer has selected one topic (eating disorders) related to self esteem among teenagers regarding body image. It is the intent going into detail on how best to optimize development in the areaidentified. Three programs that are presently in operation will be highlighted and a comprehensive summary offered. Ultimately, suggestions regarding adaptations for creating similar programs will be tendered.

Definition

Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are two eating disorders affectingpeople of any age. From research findings, however, 95 % of those diagnosed withanorexia nervosa are females. More importantly, teenage girls are in the lead. In the US one out of every hundred adolescent girl developssymptoms of anorexia nervosa. It is characterized by a compulsive desire to loose weight initially, but continues into a real psychological dysfunction, which can eventually have far reaching psychiatric implications (Treasure et.al, 2010)

Bulimia nervosa has a predisposition towards females and young women also. Studies reveal that youths in developed countries seem to develop this disorder more than those living in less affluent societies. The highest incidence rates are among Australian, Norwegian and American adolescents, college students and women with psychiatric problems. There are two types of bulimia nervosa. One is related to purging through induced vomiting and intake of laxatives andthe other engages in excessive exercise or fasting (Treasure et.al, 2010)

Projecting a body culture thatuniquely belongs to the individual is a positive self esteem attitude. While social conformity is advocated it must not occur to the detriment of self esteem which denotes psychological health and well being

Programs available

Psychologists have discovered that a self esteem issue regardless of the underlying factors iscognitive behavior dysfunction. As such, Programs must be able to address various aspects of this dysfunction within cognitive development.The National Association for SelfEsteem has strategically, collaborated with organizations and specialists to operate programs that address cognitive behavior disturbances; dialectical disabilities and offer hypnotherapy

Cognitive behavior therapy has been adapted as an intervention with some measure of success. It is a therapy which enforces thought reformation since eating disorders are embedded in a mind reaction to the body’s disposition. Importantly, it is the mind’s rejection of the existing body culture(Treasure et.al, 2010)

Most often these clients develop food prohibitions. With cognitive behavior therapy participants are encouraged to eat the same food which they fear would harm the body and observe the reaction. Depending on the strength of thought process formed and the person’s willingness to change some degree of resolution occurs over time. Since this is a conditioning therapeutic intervention it takes some time and measure of follow up for the desired resolution to be achieved (Treasure et.al, 2010)

The strength of this program even though a tedious interaction is that it can help build trust because  observations are  most of these youths  might have trust issues with parents, significant others and society. Learning to be comfortable with ‘self’ is the greatest breakthrough ever. However, this program requires a great degree of individualized effort, which can create frustrations when goals are not met.

Dialectical behavioraltherapy is another program, which was designed by Marsha Lineman (2001). Linehan’s passion was aroused after she observed psychologist battling with unresponsivepatients inclusive ofcognitive behaviortherapy. The approach consists of four modules, mindfulness; distress tolerance; emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness (Lineman 2001).

Each module is task oriented. There is an individual component as well as a group setting affording support for weaker members. For example, in the mindfulness module clients are responsible for being mindful of ‘what’ and ‘how.’ In ‘what’ mindfulness, clients observe, describe and participate; whereas; ‘how’ focuses on skills of being non judgmental, taking one issue into consideration at a time and developing effectiveness by getting involved in only what works (Lineman 2001).

Distress tolerance intervention is mainly teaching clients how to devise healthy stress coping techniques free of harm to themselves and others. Emotion regulation further teaches how to deal with both positive and not so positive sensations created in the body when thoughts filter through the mind.  First the client must recognize that they are there and pay attention to interpretation and mastery of such feelings. Interpersonal effectiveness skills build relationships so that by the end of the program a new self image emerges(Lineman 2001).

Hypnotherapy is another service program offered by agencies in addressing eating disorders around the world. It is believed that patients who fail to resolve the condition through the two afore mentioned projects are more likely to show progress with Hypnotherapy.

A hypnotherapist puts the client to sleep and forges the mind to reconstruct thoughts that would influence the eating disorder. The intervention is expected to increase motivation as well as alter behavior. Prior preparation allows for the client’s consent and tests to be conducted in determining the extent of this dysfunction and specific applications (American Psychiatric Association, 2006).

These programs have all been accredited by the National Association for self esteem as being very effective in reducing the incidences of low self esteem occurring form a body image perspective.

Development of a personal program for boosting self esteemIn Children and adolescents

The objective of this program is to build a high self esteem among children and adolescents. Hence, the program title would read, ‘Build high self esteem from your own identity: Do not give that power to anyone, but yourself.”Participants in this program would be children and adolescents’ ages 9-18 years along with their parents.

Since self esteem issues emerge from body image interpretations it revolves around congnition;dialectical predispositions and hypnotic channeling.  Research has shown where body image issues pertaining to low self esteem can emerge from rejection in the home along with societal pressures (Fisher et al, 2010)

As such, it is important to incorporate in this program a psychological assessment of parents too. Usually, low self esteem in children and adolescents emanates from parental influence as well since they may have low self esteem issues regarding age, gender, socio economic status and body image (Marmot, 2003).

Precisely, this program is advocated be used in the school curriculum as ‘enhanced education.’It could be conducted during school hours or as an after school fun activity inclusive of influential community members serving as role models. The method needs to be an interactive educational process utilizing role play to teach how false identity issues affects of self esteem and academic performance and social relationships.

Conclusion

Ultimately, an evaluation committee consisting of parents and teachers will be established to monitor the progress and make necessary adjustments. As with the Programs conducted by National Association for self – esteem, success is measured from the responses to therapeutic intervention which is non pharmacological. No therapist can prescribe a drug to deal with self esteem dysfunctions. However, skillfully redirecting the mind though cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical intervention and hypnotic diagnoses can be very beneficial.

Works cited

American Psychiatric Association. Treatment of patients with eating disorders, third edition. American Psychiatric Association. Am J Psychiatry. 163.7 Suppl (2006): 4-54 Print.

Fisher Ca, Hetrick SE, Rushford N. Family therapy for anorexia nervosa. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.  4. (2010): CD004780. Print

Linehan, M. M. & Dimeff, L.Dialectical Behavior Therapy in a nutshell, The California Psychologist, 34. (2001): 10-13.Print

Marmot, Michael. “Self-Esteem and Health: Autonomy, Self-Esteem, and Health are Linked Together.” British Medical Journal 327 (September 13, 2003): 574–75. Print
Treasure J, Claudino AM, Zucker N. Eating disorders. Lancet. 375. 7914(2010): 583-593.Print